DAFFODILS 


THE 
GARDEN 
LIBRARY 


DAFFODILS 

NARCISSUS 

AND  HOW  TO  GROW  THEM 


PLATE  I 


A  CENTURY-OLD  FIELD  OF  DAFFODILS 

On  the  old  Lalor  homestead  near  Trenton,  N.  J.,  the  old  English  trumpet  daffodil 
(AT.  Pseudo-Narcissus)  has  been  growing  wild  for  a  hundred  years.  When  com- 
fortably naturalised,  the  season  of  flowering  is  somewhat  earlier  than  in  ordinary 
garden  cultivation  and  there  is  always  bloom  in  this  field  by  the  2Sth  of  March 


DAFFODILS 
NARCISSUS 

AND  HOW  TO  GROW  THEM 


As  Hardy  Plants   and  for    Cut  Flowers 

With  a   Guide  to   the   Best 

Varieties 

By 

A.  M.  KIRBY 


ILLUSTRATED 


NEW  YORK 

Doubleday,   Page  &  Company 
1909 


COPYRIGHT,  1907,  BY  DOUBLED  AY,  PAGE  &  COMPANY 
PUBLISHED,  AUGUST,  1907 


ALL  RIGHTS  RESERVED 

INCLUDING  THAT  OF  TRANSLATION  INTO  FOREIGN  LANGUAGES 
INCLUDING  THE  SCANDINAVIAN 


CONTENTS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

I.  Old-time  and  Modern  Daffodils  and 

Narcissus.                     ...  3 

II.  Daffodils  in  the  Garden  Border.     .  17 

III.  Flowering  Daffodils  in  Winter.       .  47 

IV.  Water  Culture  in  the  House.         .  63 
V.  The  Commercial  Production  of  Cut 

Flowers.  .         .         .         .    70 

VI.  Naturalising  in  the  Grass.     .  .81 

VII.  Miniature   Daffodils   for   the   Rock 

Garden.  .  ...     90 

VIII.  The   One   Insect  and   One  Disease.     93 
IX.  Straightening  Daffodil  Nomenclature 

and  Classification.  .         .     98 

X.  The  Large  Trumpet  Daffodils.       .   in 
XI.  The   Lesser   Trumpet,    Hoop-Petti- 
coat     and       Cyclamen-flowered 
Daffodils.  .         .         .         .141 

XII.  The   Medium-crown    Hybrids.          .   148 

XIII.  The    Pheasant's    Eye    and     Poet's 

Hybrid    Narcissus.  .         .170 

XIV.  The     Sweet-scented     Jonquils     and 

Campernelles.              .         .         .180 
XV.  The  Tender  Cluster-flowered  Nar- 
cissus  183 

XVI,  The    Hardy   Cluster-flowered    Nar- 
cissus. .  ,         ,         .   192 


DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

XVII.  Double  Daffodils  and  Narcissus  of 

all   Groups 196 

XVIII.  Some    Autumn    Flowering    Species.  206 

XIX.  Hybridising  and  Raising  from  Seed.  208 

Appendix.    A  Key  to  the  Daffodils.         .         .215 

Index 227 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

PLATE 

I.  A    Century-old    Field  of    Daffodils 

(C.  M.  Whitney).  Frontispiece. 

FACING  PAGE 

II.  An     Ideal    Planting  (J.    H.    Mc- 

Farland).  .         .         .         .     IO 

III.  The       Importance       of       Massing 

(H.  G.  Taylor).       .         .         .      II 

IV.  Types  of  Flowers   (A.  M.  Kirby).      14 
V.  Planting  in  the  Herbaceous  Border 

(Henry  Troth).         ...     28 
VI.  The     Poet's  Narcissus     Naturalised 

(N.  R.  Graves).       ...     29 
VII.  A  Few  Good  Bulbs  (A.  M.  Kirby).     44 
VIII.  Daffodils  for  the  Window  Garden 

(A.  M.  Kirby).       ...     45 
IX.  Paper-white  Narcissus  as  a  Parlour 

Plant  (Vau*Wagner),      .         .     76 
X.  Commercial    Cultivation    in    Flats 

(H.  E.  Angell).       ...     77 
XI.  Commercial     Production    of       Cut 

Flowers  (H.  E.  Angell).  .     92 

XII.  A  Flat  of  Flowers  Ready  for  Cut- 
ting (H.  E.  Angell).        .         .     93 

XIII.  The  Poet's  Narcissus  in  Landscape 

Effect  (/.  H.  McFarland).        .    108 

XIV.  Poet's  Narcissus     Naturalised     in  a 

Lawn  (A.  R.  Dugmore).  .    109 

XV.  Trumpet      Daffodils      Naturalised 

(Henry    Troth).        .          .          .124 
XVI.  All -yellow       Trumpet       Daffodil 

(A.  M.  Kirby).        .         .         .125 
XVII.  All  -  white       Trumpet       Daffodil 

(A.  M.  Kirby).        .         .         .156 


DAFFODILS— NARCISSUS 

XVIII.  Medium  crown,     or  Cup     Daffodil 
(N.     incomparabilis)      (N.    R. 

Graves) 157 

XIX.  Narcissus  Barii  conspicuus   (N.  R. 

Graves).  .          .         .          .160 

XX.  The  Hoop-petticoat  Daffodils.          .   161 
XXI.  Narcissus    Leedsii    varieties  (N.  R. 

Graves).  .         .          .          .   168 

XXII.   Narcissus    Nelson!    and   N.   Baclc- 

housei  (H.  E.  Angell).       .         .169 

XXIII.  Narcissus  Leedsii  and  N.  Burbidgei 

(H.  E.  Angell).       .         .         .172 

XXIV.  Single  and  Double  Narcissus  incom- 

parabilis  (H.  E.  Angell  and  /. 
H.  McFarland).        .          .          .173 
XXV.  Big    and    Little  Daffodils     (Henry 

Troth)  .         .         .         .   178 

XXVI.  Narcissus    poeticus    and     the    new 
hardy,  cluster-flowered  N.  poetaz 
(H.  E.  Angell).       .         .          .179 
XXVII.  Narcissus     tridimus,     van  Cloth  of 

Gold  (H.  E.  Angell).       .         .182 
XXVIII.  Campernelle     or    Jonquil     (N.  R. 

Graves).  .         .         .         .183 

XXIX.  A  Polyanthus  Narcissus,  N.  Tazet- 

ta  (N.  R.  Graves).  .         .  188 

XXX.  Two     Dainty     Flowers     (H.     E. 

Angell).  .         .         .         .189 

XXXI.  Types  of  Double  Van  Sion  Daffo- 
dils (H.  E.  Angell).          .         .  204 
XXXII.  Wild       Narcissus       in       Bermuda 

(A.  M.   Kirby).        .         .         .205 


DAFFODILS 

NARCISSUS 

AND  HOW  TO  GROW  THEM 


CHAPTER  I 

OLD-TIME  AND   MODERN   DAFFODILS  AND 
NARCISSUS 

The  largest  flowers  of  early  spring — Universal  adaptation — 
The  homes  of  the  wild  species — Some  early  history — A 
word  as  to  prices — The  daffodil  in  legend  and  verse — 
What  is  a  daffodil  or  a  narcissus? 

THE  narcissus  and  daffodil  have  long  been 
the  most  world-widely  popular  of  all  spring 
flowering  bulbous  plants.  It  is  not  alone  the 
individual  and  collective  beauty  of  their  flow- 
ers that  endears  them  to  our  hearts  but  the 
bravery  of  their  advent,  for  "the  time  of  the 
daffodil"  closes  the  gates  on  bleak  winter  and 
ushers  in,  with  trumpets  of  gold,  longed-for 
spring. 

It  is  true  that  these  flowers  may  have  been 
preceded  by  those  of  snowdrops,  scillas,  cro- 
cus, etc.,  with  their  boisterous  weather  accom- 
paniments, but  the  awakening  of  the  daffodils 
— among  the  earliest  of  the  important  flowers 
of  a  new  season — means  the  advent  of  mild 
and  genuine  spring. 

3 


4  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

What  pleasurable  associations  the  very 
mention  of  their  names  uncurtains  among 
those  of  us  who  have  been  fortunate  enough 
to  be  brought  up  in  "old-fashioned  garden" 
environment.  We  recall  our  annual  spring  de- 
light in  watching  the  sturdy  development 
from  mother  earth — almost  before  winter's 
snow  had  melted — of  groups  of  spear-like 
leaves,  followed  by  big,  fat  buds  that  soon 
unsheathed  their  blossoms  of  silver  and  gold. 

WHERE  TO  GROW  THEM 

The  narcissus  and  daffodils  may  be  success- 
fully grown  in  so  many  locations,  and  under 
so  many  different  conditions  of  soil,  and  cli- 
mate, that  we  need  scarcely  ask  "where  may 
they  be  grown?"  Their  freedom  from  cul- 
tural complications  is,  indeed,  one  of  their 
chief  merits.  With  the  exception  of  a  few  of 
the  Mediterranean  and  Oriental  types  that 
love  warm,  dry  hillsides  or  well-drained 
rockeries,  the  great  majority  of  varieties  is 
nearly  as  hardy  as  rocks,  and  will  grow,  thrive 
and  flower  almost  anywhere — in  garden  beds, 
in  herbaceous  borders  and  shrubberies,  in 
grassy  turf  of  lawn,  meadow  or  woodland, 


OLD-TIME    AND    MODERN  5 

year  after  year,  without  any  special  care. 
Of  course  congenial  soil,  location  and  culture 
will  produce  better  results  than  conditions 
less  congenial;  deep,  cool,  well-drained, 
sandy  loam,  in  a  semi-shaded  situation,  being 
the  desideratum,  but,  like  grass,  they  will  ex- 
ist almost  anywhere,  flourishing  most  luxuri- 
antly when  especially  well  placed.  Correct 
garden  culture  produces  the  finest  individual 
flowers,  though  the  collective  wealth  of 
beauty  of  a  colony  naturalised  on  a  grassy 
slope  or  stream-side  bank  is  a  feast  for  the  eye. 
But  it  is  not  exclusively  in  the  open  ground 
that  narcissus  and  daffodils  may  be  grown, 
flowered  and  enjoyed.  Most  of  them  (the 
very  latest  flowering  sorts  only  excluded)  arc 
amenable  to  artificial  cultural  conditions ;  that 
is,  they  may  be  flowered  during  the  winter  in 
conservatory,  greenhouse  or  window,  in  pots, 
pans  or  flats  of  soil,  and  some  of  them  even 
in  nothing  more  than  a  bowl  of  moss  or 
gravel  and  water. 

NARCISSUS  AND  DAFFODILS  IN  THE  WILD 

Many  wild  forms  of  narcissus  and  daffo- 
dil, with  their  crosses,  are  still  to  be  found 


6  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

in  their  original  locations.  The  typical  nar- 
cissus, or  small-cupped  poeticus  and  Tazetta 
types,  are  indigenous  to  regions  bordering  the 
Mediterranean,  their  centre  being  in  Greece 
and  Italy;  some  of  the  cluster-flowered  Ta- 
zettas  (better  known  as  polyanthus  narcis- 
sus) are  wild  in  the  Orient  as  far  as  Asia;  the 
trumpet  narcissus  or  true  daffodils  are  mostly 
found  wild  in  Great  Britain  and  Western 
Europe. 

These  three  important  species,  with  a  few 
sub-species  of  lesser  importance,  slowly 
spreading  inch  by  inch,  annually,  by  offshoot 
or  seed,  over  mountain  and  through  valley — 
wherever  conditions  invited — often  met;  and 
as  all  wild,  single-flowering  narcissus  produce 
seed,  the  different  types  sometimes  crossing 
when  in  proximity  and  in  flower  at  the  same 
time,  they  have  thus  blended  and  given  rise 
to  mixed  descendants — natural  hybrids,  some 
of  which  resemble  one  parent,  some  the  other. 
Occasionally  the  offspring  or  hybrid  would  be 
so  different  from  either  parent  that  a  new 
wild  type  was  produced. 

In  addition  to  the  above  causes  of  variety 
in  wild  narcissus  and  daffodils,  other  natural 


OLD-TIME    AND    MODERN  7 

influences  have  assisted  in  typifying  several 
forms.  Particularly  responsible  for  this  are 
local  conditions  of  soil,  climate,  altitude  and 
season — for  environment  moulds  character 
and  fixes  types  through  the  survival  of  the 
fittest.  All  of  these  wild  types,  by  the  way, 
are  favourites  for  naturalising,  as  they  show 
no  deterioration  under  such  conditions,  as  do 
the  larger  flowering  modern  garden  hybrids 
when  grown  wild. 

The  first  gardens  that  people  had  were 
composed  of  medicinal  herbs,  then  were 
added  a  few  things  good  to  eat,  and  after- 
wards pretty  plants  to  embellish.  Among  the 
first  chosen  flowering  plants  for  gardens  were 
narcissus  and  daffodils.  In  some  gardens,  a 
number  of  collected  kinds  were  grown,  which 
sometimes  resulted  in  "garden  crosses"  and 
the  production  of  new  forms  and  varieties. 
Occasionally,  new  kinds  of  marked  beauty  or 
distinctiveness  would  be  raised.  These  pleas- 
ing surprises,  added  to  the  intrinsic  value  of 
the  narcissus  as  garden  flowers,  fanned  the 
interest  of  cultivators  into  such  a  glow  that 
some  cultivators  eventually  learned  to  arti- 
ficially cross  different  types  and  even  become 


8  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

expert  in  producing  definite  results.  But  it 
was  not  until  the  last  century  that  any  great 
strides  were  thus  made.  In  the  year  1548 
Turner  is  supposed  to  have  described  all  then 
known  sorts — numbering  twenty-four — in  "A 
Few  Narcissus  of  Dieverse  Sortes."  A  hun- 
dred years  later  species,  sub-species  and  their 
varieties  had  apparently  increased  to  ninety- 
four,  according  to  John  Parkinson  in  his 
"Paradisus  Terrestris." 

Between  1840  and  1860,  two  English  ama- 
teurs, William  Backhouse,  banker  of  Darling- 
ton, and  Edward  Leeds,  stockbroker  of  Man- 
chester, did  some  remarkably  good  work  in 
hybridising  narcissus  and  daffodils.  The  col- 
lections of  seedlings  of  these  two  gentlemen 
have  been  largely  responsible  for  increasing 
popular  interest  in  the  cultivation  and  cross- 
ing of  narcissus  and  daffodils  during  recent 
years.  Among  other  devotees  who  have  also 
done  good  work  are  Messrs.  Barr,  Burbidge, 
Engleheart,  Hume  and  Nelson,  all  of  whom 
have  been  honoured  by  having  groups,  or  type 
sections,  named  after  them. 

Daffodils  had  become  so  popular  that  in 
1884  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  of  Eng- 


OLD-TIME    AND    MODERN  9 

land  organised  a  great  conference  in  London, 
and  a  permanent  committee  was  appointed  to 
take  cognisance  of  new  varieties  of  daffodils 
and  make  suitable  awards  to  the  more  merit- 
orious. The  daffodil  craze  was  now  on  in 
earnest,  and  its  impetus  has  increased  con- 
tinuously ever  since.  Scores  of  rival  enthusi- 
asts in  Europe  and  Great  Britain  grow  and 
cross  daffodils  and  exhibit  their  flowers 
every  year.  Very  high  prices  are  paid  for 
bulbs  of  particularly  choice  varieties,  many 
of  which  cannot  be  purchased  for  less  than 
ten  dollars  to  twenty-five  dollars  per  bulb, 
and  a  few  of  the  very  rare  are  worth  as  much 
as  fifty  dollars,  and  even  one  hundred  dollars, 
per  bulb. 

More  than  that,  there  are  some  daffodils 
that  may  never  be  seen  by  the  outside  world, 
for  a  coterie  of  six  wealthy  daffodil  lovers  in 
England  buys  up  the  bulbs  of  any  new  varie- 
ty of  exceptional  beauty  and  merit — if  none 
have  escaped  into  commerce — paying  extra- 
vagant prices  for  the  sole  ownership  of  the 
coveted  beauties,  from  $500  to  $2,000 
sometimes  being  expended  by  these  enthusiasts 
for  five  or  six  bulbs.  One  of  the  compacts  of 


10  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

this  close  club  is  that  at  the  demise  of  any 
member,  his  or  her  bulbs  are  to  be  distributed 
among  the  remaining  members  of  the  monop- 
olistic band. 

In  practical  America,  the  daffodil  fever 
has  not,  as  yet,  reached  so  acute  a  stage.  Old, 
standard  varieties,  costing  from  a  dollar  and 
fifty  cents  to  ten  dollars  per  hundred  bulbs, 
generally  satisfy  the  aesthetic  tastes  of  our 
flower  lovers.  It  is  noticed,  however,  that 
some  of  the  more  progressive  bulb  importers 
are  cataloguing  a  few  of  the  newer  and  bet- 
ter kinds,  and  their  answers  to  our  inquiries 
indicate  that  there  is  a  growing  demand  for 
choicer  varieties,  costing  from  fifty  cents  to 
one  dollar  per  bulb. 

At  such  prices,  and  even  for  much  less, 
hundreds  of  beautiful  varieties,  creditable  rep- 
resentatives from  all  type  sections,  are  pro- 
curable, so  that  worthy  collections  may  eco- 
nomically be  made.  Indeed,  it  is  advisable  to 
begin  with  moderate-priced  varieties,  for  the 
higher  points  of  the  improved  and  more  ex- 
pensive sorts  may  not  be  fully  appreciated  at 
first  by  the  uninitiated.  But  in  a  year  or 
two  the  beginner  is  educated  to  note  the 


PLATE  II 


AN  IDEAL  PLANTING 

Daffodils  are 
mixed  shrubbery  . 

in  all  sort  of  conditions,     (Narcissus  Barrti,  var.  conspicuus) 


ost  happily  placed  when  grouped  in  clumps  in  the  foreground  of  a 
border.     Most  varieties  of   the  medium-crown  type 


type  give  satisfaction 


OLD-TIME   AND   MODERN  II 

points  of  superiority  in  the  higher  grades,  and 
is  led  on  to  other  indulgences. 

THE  NARCISSUS  OF  OLDEN  TIMES 

That  narcissus,  the  ancient,  small  cupped 
and  cluster-flowered  sorts,  were  prized  be- 
fore history  was  recorded,  is  evidenced  by 
wreaths  of  their  flowers  being  unearthed  from 
tombs  made  hundreds  of  years  before  the 
Christian  era.  That  the  popularity  of  nar- 
cissus increased  with  civilisation  is  indicated 
by  old  Greek  and  Roman  writings.  It  is 
nearly  2000  years  since  Virgil's  "Empurpled 
Narcissus"  was  penned,  and  about  1,500  years 
ago  that  Mohammed  said  "He  that  hath  two 
cakes  of  bread,  let  him  sell  one  of  them,  for 
bread  is  only  food  for  the  body,  but  narcis- 
sus is  food  for  the  Soul."  Ovid,  about  the 
year  I,  poetically  crystalizes  an  ancient  legend 
of  the  birth  of  Narcissus,  the  substance  of 
which  is  as  follows:  Narcissus,  a  beautiful 
youth,  was  so  impervious  to  the  loving  ad- 
vances of  Echo  and  other  suitors  that  Nemesis 
answering  their  prayers  for  vengeance,  caused 
Narcissus  to  pine  away  in  silent  admiration  of 


12  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

his  own  image    reflected    from    a  mountain 
brook 

"And  looking  for  his  corse  we  only  found 
A  rising  stalk  with  blossoms  crowned." 

MODERN   DAFFODILS   THREE    HUNDRED 
YEARS  OLD 

The  praises  of  daffodils — the  trumpets — 
have  been  voiced  only  during  the  past  three 
centuries  by  Spenser,  Shakespeare,  Tenny- 
son, Wordsworth,  Keats,  and  other  poets.  A 
good-sized  volume  might  be  filled  with  rhap- 
sodical allusions  and  poetic  descriptions  from 
the  various  writers  about  daffodils,  all  indica- 
tive of  the  continued  popularity  of  branches 
of  the  narcissus  family,  throughout  centuries 
of  time.  Space,  however,  forbids  our  quo- 
ting more  than  the  following  classic  lines: 

" — Daffodils  that  come  before  the  swallow  dares 
And  take  the  winds  of  March  with  beauty." 

—Shakespeare  in  "Winter's  Tale". 
"A  thing  of  beauty  is  a  joy  forever 


and  such  are  daffodils." 

—Keats. 
"I  wander'd  lonely  as  a  cloud 

That  floats  on  high  o'er  vales  and  hills, 
When  all  at  once  I  saw  a  crowd, 

A  host,  of  golden  daffodils; 
Beside  the  lake,  beneath  the  trees, 

Fluttering  and  dancing  in  the  breeze. 


OLD-TIME    AND    MODERN  13 

"Continuous  as  the  stars  that  shine 

And  twinkle  on  the  Milky  Way, 
They  stretched  in  never-ending  line 

Along  the  margin  of  the  bay; 
Ten  thousand  saw  I  at  a  glance, 
Tossing  their  heads  in  sprightly  dance. 

"The  waves  beside  them  danced:  but  they 
Outdid  the  sparkling  waves  in  glee: 

A  poet  could  not  but  be  gay, 
In  such  a  jocund  company: 

I  gazed — and  gazed — but  little  thought 

What  wealth  the  show  to  me  had  brought: 

"For  oft,  when  on  my  couch  I  lie 

In  vacant  or  in  pensive  mood, 
They  flash  upon  that  inward  eye 

Which  is  the  bliss  of  solitude; 
And  then  my  heart  with  pleasure  fills, 
And  dances  with  the  daffodils." 

— William  Wordsworth. 

THE    TYPICAL    DAFFODIL    AND    NARCISSUS 

Though  "Narcissus"  is  the  botanical  title 
of  the  whole  family,  the  more  showy  large 
trumpet  forms  have  so  dominated  that  their 
popular  name  of  "daffodil"  has  come  to  sig- 
nify all  the  members  of  the  family  included 
in  the  large  crown  and  medium  crown  sec- 
tions, embracing  the  intermediate  hybrid 
groups.  The  name  "narcissus"  is  still  re- 
tained popularly  for  the  small-cupped  species, 


14  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

Narcissus  poeticus,  N.  Tazetta  and  N.  Jon' 
qiiilla. 

The  relationship  of  the  flowers  can  be  best 
realized  by  looking  at  the  diagrams  in  Plate 
IV.  It  will  be  seen  that  there  is  a  con- 
siderable difference  between  the  exterior 
form  of  the  flowers  as  well  as  in  their  in- 
terior structure.  From  stem  to  mouth  the 
flowers  are  practically  of  the  same  length, 
but  the  whorl  of  so-called  petals* — perianth 
segments — is  placed  near  the  mouth  in  typi- 
cal "narcissus"  flowers  so  that  there  is  only 
a  shallow  cup  in  front  of  it.  In  typical 
"daffodils"  the  whorl  is  placed  near  the  base, 
allowing  a  longer  portion  called  the  "trum- 
pet" in  front 

There  are  also  differences  of  interior  struc- 
ture. In  the  narcissus  proper  the  stamens  are 
in  two  series  of  three  each,  one  set  being  con- 
nected to  the  tube  near  the  top,  the  other 
lower  down;  in  daffodils  proper  the  stamens 
are  in  one  series  of  six — all  connected  with 
the  tube  at  one  point  nearly  at  its  base.  Prac- 


*  The  term  petals  is  used  throughout  this  book  to  sig- 
nify the  perianth  segments;  it  is  more  convenient  and  is 
easily  understood. 


FLAK  IV 


TYPES  OF  FLOWER 

The  perianth  segments  (A)  form  a  collar,  as  it  were,  that  may  be  pushed  away 
from  or  closer  to  the  ovary  (F)  so  that  there  is  a  definite  ratio  between  the  length 
of  the  tube  (B)  and  the  depth  of  the  crown  (C) 

The  sections : — ( i )  N.  Tazetta,  polyanthus;  ( 2 )  N.  poeticus,  common  narcissus; 
(3)  N.  Pseudo-Narcissus,  trumpet  daffodil.     The  stamens  (C)  are  inserted  in 
one  seriesin(3),  but  in  two  series  in(i)  and(2).   The  pistil  is  indicated  at  (D) 
Fig.  2  typifies  the  short  crowned  or  saucer  section 
Fig.  3  is  the  typical  long-crowned  flower  or  trumpet  daffodil 
Fig.  4  is  N.  Sprengeri,  a  hybrid  from  N.  Pseudo-Narcissus  (2)  and  N.  Tazetta  ( i ) 
Fig.  5  typifies  the  medium-crownrd  or  cup  daffodils.  N.  incomparabUis,  pro- 
duced by  crossing  N.  poeticus  (2)  and  a  trumpet  daffodil  (3) 


1 6  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

tically  all  narcissus  of  intermediate  form  be- 
tween these  two  extremes  are  hybrids  either 
natural  or  artificial  between  the  two  classes. 
For  instance,  N.  Tazetta  ( Fig.  i )  crossed 
with  N.  Pseudo-Narcissus  (Fig.  3)  has  pro- 
duced N.  Sprengeri  (Fig.  4).  Again,  N. 
poeticus  (Fig.  2)  crossed  with  N.  Pseudo- 
Narcissus  (Fig.  3)  has  produced  N.  incom- 
parabilis  (Fig.  5).  As  will  be  seen  by  a  ref- 
erence to  the  plate  the  hybrid  in  each  case 
combines  some  characters  from  each  of  the 
parents. 


CHAPTER  II 

DAFFODILS  IN  THE  GARDEN  BORDER 

How  a  bulb  grows  —  Soils  and  varieties  —  Planting  depths 
and  distances  —  Early  planting  —  Lifting  and  dividing  — 
Winter  protection  —  The  ideal  mulch  —  Sunshine  and 
shade  —  Blooms  for  three  months  —  Cutting  flowers  — 
How  to  select  bulbs. 


narcissus  and  daffodils  are  bulbous 
plants,  and  an  understanding  of  the  phases 
of  a  bulb's  life  will  help  materially  in  arriving 
at  an  intelligent  system  of  cultivation.  The 
bulb,  the  plant's  thickened,  underground 
storehouse  from  which  the  roots  descend  and 
the  stems,  leaves  and  flowers  ascend,  is  fully 
formed  by  the  growing  plant  after  the  flower- 
ing period  and  before  growth  for  the  season 
is  suspended,  and  it  contains  within  itself  next 
year's  flowers  and  foliage  in  embryo.  In  the 
thick,  fleshy  scales  of  the  bulb  is  stored  up  a 
supply  of  food  to  support  the  new  growth  in 
early  spring;  these  scales  also  serve  as  shields 
to  protect  the  leaves  and  flower  from  injury, 
from  cold  or  other  external  conditions. 
17 


I  8  DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 

The  dormant  period  for  these  bulbs  ranges 
from  July  to  November,  during  which  they 
may  be  dug  from  the  ground,  stored,  and 
shipped  around  the  world  if  desired.  When 
replanted  where  soil  and  climatic  conditions 
are  congenial,  the  bulb  develops  leaves  and 
flowers  with  as  much  luxuriance  as  if  it  had 
remained  undisturbed  in  its  original  environ- 
ment. 

The  bulbs  of  narcissus  and  daffodils  vary 
greatly  in  size,  according  to  age  and  kind. 
The  Tazettas,  or  polyanthus  narcissus,  make 
the  biggest  bulbs,  averaging  from  six  to  nine 
inches  in  circumference.  Some  groups,  as 
triandrus,  cyclamineus,  Bulbocodium,  etc., 
make  full-grown  bulbs  not  much  larger  than 
peas;  while  the  great  majority  of  our  com- 
monly grown  narcissus  and  daffodils  make 
bulbs  of  four  to  six  inches  maximum  circum- 
ference. 

SOIL    PREFERENCES 

With  very  few  exceptions,  the  hardy  nar- 
cissus and  daffodils  revel  in  coolness  and  a 
deep  moisture-holding,  air-penetrable  soil, 


IN    THE    GARDEN    BORDER  19 

overlying  a  pervious  subsoil,  and  in  partial 
shade.  Though  they  will  grow  and  flower, 
most  accommodatingly  in  any  garden  soil  of 
average  quality,  yet  they  will  do  far  better 
under  more  congenial  soil  conditions.  Cir- 
cumstances do  not  always  permit  us  to  pro- 
vide these  perfect  conditions  and  we  have  to 
plan  accordingly. 

If  there  be  a  choice  of  several  sites,  it  will 
be  well  to  plant  the  different  groups  sepa- 
rately; the  single  yellow  and  bicolor  trumpets 
in  moderately  moist  but  well  underdrained 
loam ;  the  poeticus  types  in  heavier,  damper, 
lower  ground  (particularly  the  double  gar- 
denia flowered  form,  alba  plena,  which  will 
flower  only  when  grown  in  heavy  damp  soil) . 

In  warm  climates  the  popular  old  "Double 
Daffodil"  or  Double  Van  Sion  (N.  telamo- 
nlus,  var.  plenus)  also  requires  a  damp  moist 
soil  to  retain  its  rich  yellow  colouring  as  on  a 
dry  light  soil  in  a  hot  situation  it  is  apt  to 
produce  greenish-yellow  flowers,  and  in  some 
cases,  even,  all-green  flowers. 

The  drier  soils  or  high  ground  will  answer 
for  the  white  trumpet  daffodils;  and  the  dry, 
sunny,  well-drained  hillside  or  rockery,  with 


20  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

warm  exposure,  should  receive  the  Bulboco- 
dium,  cyclamineus  and  triandrus  sections. 

Although  most  of  the  important  type 
groups  of  the  narcissus  family  like  cool,  moist 
soil,  yet  it  is  essential  that  the  moisture  be  not 
stagnant;  that  is,  water  must  not  remain  con- 
tinuously about  the  bulbs  nor  roots,  but  be 
drained  away  from  below.  "Wet  feet"  pre- 
vents maximum  root  development,  and  is  apt, 
sooner  or  later,  to  cause  "basal-rot"  in  the 
bulbs.  Maintained  moisture  with  abundant 
soil  aeration  is  the  ideal  while  the  bulbs  are 
in  growth  and  flower. 

The  old  idea  that  there  is  as  much  of  the 
tree  below  ground  as  there  is  above  is  also  ap- 
proximately true  of  the  narcissus  and  if  the 
plant  grows  18  inches  high  the  roots  pene- 
trate the  earth  to  approximately  the  same 
depth.  It  may  be  more  practical  to  reverse 
this  order  of  reasoning  and  say  that  if  the 
roots  can  only  forage  six  inches  below  the  sur- 
face the  growth  of  the  plant  and  flowers 
above  will  be  correspondingly  small  and  stun- 
ted. The  whole  secret  of  success  in  pro- 
ducing the  best,  the  largest,  the  most  perfect 
and  the  richest  coloured  flowers  and  foliage  is 


IN    THE    GARDEN    BORDER  21 

maximum  root  development — and  root  devel- 
opment is  entirely  dependent  upon  congenial 
soil  conditions.  Your  neighbour  may  buy  and 
merely  plant  in  his  garden  a  few  Glory  of 
Leiden  daffodils  and  get  flowers  three  inches 
across,  very  handsome  and  thoroughly  pleas- 
ing to  him.  You,  knowing  a  little  more  of 
what  that  variety  is  capable  of  doing,  and 
knowing  how  to  prepare  the  bed,  produce 
flowers  five  inches  across ! 

PREPARATION  OF  THE  SOIL 

Where  nature  does  not  supply  the  ideal 
conditions,  our  aim  must  be  to  reproduce  them 
as  nearly  as  possible. 

Light,  dry,  sandy  or  gravelly  soils  must 
be  made  heavier  and  more  retentive  of  mois- 
ture. This  may  be  done  by  manuring  and 
then  growing  crimson  clover,  peas,  or  some 
"green  crop"  that  can  be  dug  under  to  decay 
and  add  humus,  absorbent,  sponge-like  vege- 
table matter,  to  the  soil.  While  this  may  be 
done  in  the  spring  so  that  the  soil  will  be  in 
fairly  good  condition  by  daffodil  planting 
time  in  September,  it  will  be  far  better  to 
make  the  preparations  a  year  ahead. 


22  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

If  previous  preparation  is  not  practicable, 
something  may  be  done  by  starting  two  or 
three  weeks  before  planting  time.  Remove 
the  top  soil  to  a  spade's  depth — six  to  eight 
inches — and  work  into  the  underlying  soil  to 
the  depth  of  a  spade,  a  two-inch  layer  of  thor- 
oughly rotted  stable  manure.  Then  replace 
the  top  soil.  The  object  of  using  the  manure 
is  not  so  much  to  supply  fertility  as  it  is  to 
assist  in  holding  moisture,  preventing  its  too 
rapid  leaching.  Under  any  other  conditions, 
the  use  of  stable  manure  for  narcissus  and 
daffodils  the  year  of  planting  is  not  desirable 
unless  it  be  put  a  considerable  depth  below 
the  bottom  of  the  bulbs.  Under  no  condi- 
tions must  the  manure  be  mixed  with  the 
upper  soil,  or  where  it  would  be  in  contact 
with  the  bulb. 

Year  after  year,  until  I  learned  to  be  more 
strict,  I  used  to  see  here  and  there  a  sickly, 
yellowish-leaved,  stunted  daffodil  plant.  An 
examination  of  the  soil  almost  invariably  dis- 
closed a  lump  of  manure  either  in  contact  with 
the  bulb  or  where  its  roots  should  have  been, 
probably  had  been,  but  were  destroyed  by 
contact  with  raw  manure.  "No  roots,  no  flow- 


IN   THE    GARDEN   BORDER  23 

ers;  poor  roots,  poor  flowers;  good  roots, 
good  flowers." 

Heavy,  wet  clay  soils  need  mellowing  as  a 
general  thing,  although  some  of  the  strong 
growing  yellow  and  bicolor  trumpet  daffodils, 
and  all  of  the  poeticus  and  Burbidgei  types 
will  often  make  good  growth  and  flower  well 
for  a  time  in  heavy  soil.  Yet  some  plants 
eventually  fail. 

Underdrainage,  either  with  tile  or  triangle- 
shaped  board  conduits  placed  three  feet  be- 
low the  surface,  and  twelve  to  twenty  feet 
apart,  according  to  circumstances,  is  the  cor- 
rective  for  wet,  heavy  soils.  These  drains 
are  laid  with  a  slight  fall  to  an  outlet,  thus 
leading  off  the  surplus  water.  The  benefit 
of  underdrainage  is  not  only  in  drawing  off 
surplus  water,  from  below  but  also  in  opening 
the  soil,  allowing  air  to  enter.  The  next  best 
thing  to  underdrainage  is  subsoil  plowing,  or 
digging  fully  eighteen  inches  deep. 

When  previous  manuring  and  preparation 
have  not  been  done,  use  nothing  but  pure 
ground  bone  at  the  rate  of  two  to  four  ounces 
on  a  square  yard  evenly  strewn  over  the  soil 
and  dug  in.  Follow  this  by  some  high  class 


24  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

commercial  fertilizer,  rich  in  potash,  at  the 
rate  of  one  to  two  ounces  to  a  square  yard 
just  before  leveling  and  raking. 

On  light,  sandy  soils,  in  addition,  soon 
after  the  bulbs  are  planted,  give  sul- 
phate of  potash,  about  one  ounce  to  a  square 
yard.  Potash  in  some  form,  even  that  con- 
tained in  unleached  wood  ashes,  deepens  the 
colouring  of  the  flowers  and  checks  abnormal 
growth  of  plant  and  foliage. 

PLANTING   DEPTHS  AND   DISTANCES    VARY 

The  stereotyped  answer  to  the  question, 
"How  far  apart  and  how  deep  shall  I  plant 
the  bulbs?"  is  this:  "Plant  six  inches  apart 
and  cover  the  bulbs  three  inches."  While 
being  approximately  correct  for  the  average 
growing  varieties,  the  instruction  requires 
modification  to  suit  different  soils,  large  or 
small  growing  varieties,  and  temporary  or 
permanent  plantings.  Narcissus  and  daffo- 
dil bulbs  vary  as  greatly  in  size  as  the  plants 
and  flowers  they  produce.  Those  of  the 
Bulbocodium,  triandrus,  and  one  or  two  other 
groups  grow  no  bigger  than  large  peas,  pro- 


IN    THE    GARDEN   BORDER  25 

ducing  small  plants  which  may  be  grown  three 
inches  apart.  Some  full  sized  bulbs  of  other 
groups  attain  a  circumference  of  six  to  eight 
inches,  and  make  plants  sometimes  two  feet 
high  and  of  correspondingly  large  girth. 
These  should  be  planted  six  to  ten  inches 
apart. 

In  light  soils,  plant  deeper  than  In  heavy 
soils.  If  planting  only  for  the  next  spring's 
effect,  with  the  intention  of  supplanting  the 
daffodils  with  summer  flowering  plants,  closer 
planting  can  be  done  than  if  the  bulbs  are  to 
remain  undisturbed  for  several  years. 

In  my  own  garden,  with  average  soil,  I 
cover  the  bulb  with  a  depth  of  soil  fully  equal- 
ling its  largest  circumference.  This  places 
the  base  of  the  great  majority  of  bulbs  (the 
poeticus,  the  trumpets,  the  incomparabilis  va- 
rieties) about  four  inches  below  the  surface 
of  the  ground.  In  lighter  soils,  this  would  be 
increased  one-half.  Deep  planting  is  always 
safer,  especially  in  cold,  exposed  localities;  but 
deeply  planted  bulbs  flower  later  than  shal- 
lower planted  ones.  On  the  other  hand,  late 
flowers  are  often  larger  and  have  better  sub- 
stance than  earlier  flowers  of  the  same  variety. 


26  DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 

That  at  least  some  narcissus  will  thrive 
when  planted  unusually  deep  was  exemplified 
in  a  group  of  old-fashioned  double  daffodils, 
growing  in  the  lower  end  of  a  hillside  border 
which  I  had  filled  in  during  the  fall  when  the 
daffodils  were  dormant  and  leafless  and  so  for- 
gotten. But  they  were  not  to  be  smothered 
with  a  covering  of  fifteen  inches  of  soil  and 
surprised  us  in  the  spring  by  blooming  with 
unusual  luxuriance,  though  about  two  weeks 
later  than  usual — and  they  have  continued 
this  performance  for  several  years. 

WHEN  TO  PLANT 

Plant  daffodils  at  any  time  between  July 
and  November  and  the  earlier  the  better.  The 
family  is  an  exception  to  the  generality  of 
bulbous  plants,  and  under  natural  conditions 
commences  making  new  roots  soon  after  the 
bulbs  ripen,  which,  according  to  the  earliness 
of  the  variety,  is,  in  the  latitude  of  New  York, 
in  June  or  July. 

The  poeticus  types  and  their  hybrids  are 
especially  resentful  of  being  kept  dry  and  dor- 
mant. When  left  in  the  ground  they  accept 


IN   THE    GARDEN   BORDER  2J 

no  resting  period  but  begin  new  root  action 
almost  before  the  old  roots  have  matured. 

Imported  bulbs  are  not  likely  to  be  received 
before  the  middle  of  September,  therefore 
it  is  well  to  have  all  preparations  made  in 
advance  so  that  the  bulbs  can  be  planted  at 
once.  The  more  root  growth  made  before 
winter,  the  larger  the  flowers.  Late  planted 
bulbs  usually  give  fairly  satisfactory  results 
the  next  spring;  but  full-sized,  characteristic 
flowers  from  late  planted  bulbs  cannot  be  ex- 
pected until  the  second  spring,  though  bulbs 
lifted  from  the  ground  in  July  and  at  once 
replanted,  will  give  maximum  blooms  the 
next  season. 

GARDEN    PLANTING 

Small  bulbing  daffodils,  those  making  bulbs 
not  larger  than  an  inch  in  diameter,  are 
quickly  and  easily  planted  with  a  garden 
dibber.  This  tool  is  thrust  into  the  ground 
far  enough  to  make  a  hole  of  the  proper 
depth.  It  is  then  wiggled  back  and  forth  to 
enlarge  the  hole  at  the  bottom,  so  the  swol- 
len base  of  the  bulb  may  come  in  contact 
with  the  soil.  If  this  is  not  done,  the  bulb 


2%  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

may  "hang"  midway  down,  leaving  an  air 
space  below,  which,  if  not  actually  detrimen- 
tal, is  certainly  not  good  feeding  ground  for 
the  young  roots. 

The  bulbs  of  varieties  too  large  to  go  in 
the  holes  made  by  the  dibber  are  best  planted 
with  a  trowel,  by  which  a  hole  of  proper  size 
and  depth  is  scooped  out.  After  the  bulbs 
are  placed — whatever  method  of  making  the 
hole  is  employed — they  are  to  be  covered  with 
soil  which  if  not  "sticky  damp"  should  be 
pressed  very  firmly,  by  hand  or  foot,  into  con- 
tact with  the  bulb. 

PLANTING  IN   TURF 

Different  methods  of  planting  in  sod 
ground  are  resorted  to  according  to  the  diffi- 
culties encountered  in  making  holes  to  re- 
ceive the  bulbs. 

When  the  sod  is  sufficiently  moist  and  soft, 
the  quickest  way  is  to  use  a  spade  handle 
sharpened  dibber-like  with  a  cross  piece  for  a 
foot  rest,  fastened  about  6  inches  from  the 
point.  Another  way  is  to  thrust  a  spade  or 
digging  fork  slantingly  into  the  sod  and  soil, 
and  raising  the  handle,  thus  lifting  sod  and 


PLATE  VI 


THE  POET'S  NARCISSUS  NATURALISED 

The  white  poet's  narcissus  (A",  poeticus)  is  one  of  the  latest  blooming  varieties. 
It  lasts  well  as  a  cut  flower,  and  prefers  heavier,  damper,  lower  ground  than  the  trum- 
pet daffodils.  At  Highland  Park,  Rochester,  N.  Y. 


IN    THE    GARDEN    BORDER  29 

soil  so  that  one  or  more  bulbs  may  be  inserted 
in  the  cleft.  Then  pull  out  the  spade  and 
tramp  the  sod  back  into  its  former  position. 
This  will  leave  the  bulbs  in  a  slanting  position', 
which  seems  to  make  no  difference  to  their 
growth  and  flowering,  the  plants  coming  up 
just  as  straight  as  if  the  bulbs  had  been  placed 
perpendicularly. 

SAND  CUSHIONS 

In  heavy  ground,  or  low-lying  situations, 
where  an  undue  amount  of  moisture  from 
melting  snow  or  other  causes  keeps  the  soil 
continuously  wet  for  weeks  during  the  spring, 
place  a  handful  of  sand  under  and  around  the 
bulb  of  any  rare  and  delicate  variety,  partic- 
ularly the  white  trumpet  daffodils.  This  will 
often  prevent  them  from  becoming  diseased, 
as  the  sand  allows  the  water  to  drain  away 
from  the  bulb. 

LIFTING   AND   DIVIDING 

The  natural  increase  by  offsets  of  some  va- 
rieties is  so  great  that  the  second  year  after 
planting,  the  number  of  bulbs  will  be  trebled. 


30  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

But  most  sorts  are  not  so  prolific.  Still,  in 
time,  varying  from  three  to  six  years,  ac- 
cording to  variety,  soil,  and  the  distance 
apart  the  bulbs  were  originally  planted,  the 
clumps  of  plants  will  Have  become  so  crowded, 
and  probably  the  soil  so  exhausted,  or  both, 
that  fewer  and  smaller  flowers  will  be  pro- 
duced. It  "is  then  time  to  dig  up  the  bulbs, 
separate  them  and  their  offsets  (young  bulbs) 
and  replant,  either  in  fresh  ground  or  in  re- 
newed soil  in  their  old  locations.  This  opera- 
tion is  called  lifting  and  dividing. 

The  best  time  to  do  this,  as  a  rule,  is  when 
the  foliage  has  yellowed  one-third  down  from 
the  top,  but  some  varieties,  particularly  those 
comprising  the  poeticus,  Burbidgei  and 
odorus  groups,  and  possibly  some  others, 
should  be  lifted  even  sooner,  for  the  reason 
that  new  root  growth  commences  before  the 
foliage  has  ripened  down.  In  these  cases 
the  later  lifting  is  injurious  to  the  tender 
rootlets  which  are  likely  to  die  off,  weak- 
ening the  bulb  and  reducing  the  size  of  the 
next  season's  flowers,  even  if  it  does  not 
prevent  flowering  altogether.  Of  course, 
if  fully  ripened  bulbs  can  be  immediately  re- 


IN   THE    GARDEN   BORDER  31 

planted,  without  the  young  roots  being  ex- 
posed to  sun,  air-drying  or  handling,  the  dan- 
ger of  injury  will  be  lessened;  but  it  is  difficult 
to  properly  divide  freshly  lifted  bulbs  and 
their  offsets  on  account  of  the  adhesiveness 
of  the  soil  and  matting  of  wiry  old  roots. 
Therefore,  it  is  considered  good  practice  to 
lift  early — better  too  early  than  too  late — 
store  the  clumps  in  a  cool,  airy,  shady  place 
(preferably  in  trays)  and  there  let  them  ripen 
and  cure  until  the  old  leaves  and  roots  are 
dry,  when  they  are  easily  cleaned  off  and 
divided. 

The  actual  work  of  "lifting"  should  be 
done  by  a  spading  fork.  Never  take  a  spade 
for  this  purpose,  as  the  danger  of  cutting  the 
bulbs  is  increased.  Insert  the  fork  a  few 
inches  from  the  clump,  until  the  tines  are  com- 
pletely buried.  Work  it  from  side  to  side  and 
up  and  down  to  loosen  the  mass.  Then  in- 
cline the  fork  so  that  it  will  pass  under  the 
bulbs  and  the  clump  is  removed. 

"Dividing"  is  a  term  expressing  the  opera- 
tion of  separating  bulbs  held  together  by 
matted  and  intermingled  roots  and  removing 
the  offsets  or  young  bulbs  from  the  mother 


32  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

bulbs.  This  is  best  done  just  before  replant- 
ing. Do  not  remove  any  offset  unless  it  is 
entirely  detached  from  the  mother  bulb,  with 
the  exception  of  the  union  at  the  base.  This 
may  be  cut  through  with  a  sharp  knife 
if  the  variety  is  choice,  though  the  common 
sorts  are  usually  merely  broken  apart.  Be 
sure  not  to  cut  or  break  through  any  other  sub- 
stance of  the  bulbs  than  the  basal  plate.  Any 
surplus  offsets  which  cannot  be  accommodated 
in  the  garden  may  well  be  used  for  natural- 
ising in  the  grass. 

Commercial  growers  dig  and  divide  their 
bulbs  every  year,  a  practice  that  may  be  justi- 
fied on  a  business  basis,  though  I  feel  sure 
that  the  commercial  stocks  of  some  varieties 
would  have  better  constitutions  and  produce 
bigger  and  stronger  bulbs  if  these  growers 
would  dig  and  divide  them  only  every  second 
year. 

WINTER    MULCHING    AND    PROTECTION 

During  the  summer,  nature  provides  a 
mulch  by  covering  the  ground  with  weeds. 
We,  in  opposition,  cultivate  to  kill  the  weeds 


IN   THE    GARDEN    BORDER  33 

and  in  doing  so — unconsciously  perhaps — 
form  a  different  mulch  of  cultivated  soil, 
which  breaks  the  capillarity  of  the  soil,  and 
prevents  the  sun's  heat  and  drying  winds 
from  drawing  up  and  dissipating  the  soils' 
moisture.  The  winter  mulch  while  to  some 
extent  rendering  the  same  service  as  a  sum- 
mer mulch,  has  additional  duties;  its  object 
is  not  only  to  maintain  an  even  underground 
moisture  and  temperature  but  also  to  prevent 
the  surface  soil  from  freezing  too  deeply,  and 
» — still  more  important — 'it  must  'keep  the 
frozen  soil  from  thawing  during  unseason- 
ably warm  winter  weather  and  early  spring 
thaws. 

The  net  result  of  these  alternations  of 
frost  and  thaw  is  "heaving,"  by  which  the 
surface  soil  is  lifted  and  broken  apart.  Thus 
shallow-planted  bulbs  are  often  lifted  and 
torn  from  their  fall  made  roots  which  are 
anchored  in  the  lower  layers  of  soil.  The  win- 
ter mulch  then  holds  together  the  soil  and  its 
contained  bulbs  and  should  not  be  removed 
until  settled  spring  weather  justifies  it. 

In  the  wild,  nature  provides  the  mulch. 
When  naturalised  in  grass,  the  leaves  and 


34  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

stalks  of  the  grass  ripen,  bend  over  or  break, 
and  finally  settle  down,  forming  an  ideal 
blanket,  giving  both  warmth  and  airiness. 
In  shrubberies,  the  fallen  leaves  accomplish 
the  same  result.  Nature's  mulch  is  lightened 
by  the  winds  of  March  and  the  balance  is 
reduced  by  decay.  In  garden  culture,  it  is 
not  practicable  to  follow  these  gradations  in 
covering  and  uncovering.  The  best  that  we 
can  do  is  to  cover,  or  mulch,  as  soon  as  the 
surface  of  the  ground  is  frozen  to  a  crust, 
not  before,  and  to  remove  the  mulch  in  the 
spring  after  hard  freezing  weather  is  over — 
before  the  growth  of  the  bulbs  has  penetrated 
the  mulch  sufficiently  to  prevent  its  removal 
without  injuring  the  young  top  growth. 

THE  BEST  KIND  OF  MULCH 

I  have  used  several  materials  for  mulching 
my  bulbs  and  have  seen  still  other  materials 
used  by  others.  The  answer  to  the  question 
"What  is  the  best  mulch"  depends  largely 
on  what  is  available.  The  one  direct  lesson 
from  nature  is  warmth,  with  air.  In  Hol- 
land the  water  rushes  are  used  and  they  are 


IN   THE    GARDEN    BORDER  35 

ideal,  but  they  are  not  always  available.  I 
have  a  friend  who  grows  narcissus  and  daffo- 
dils, in  cold,  bleak,  northerly  exposed,  hillside 
ground,  who  uses  a  six-inch  covering  of  forest 
leaves,  and  usually  with  great  success.  These 
are  held  in  place  by  a  few  branches  of  trees. 
Towards  spring  this  leaf  blanket  settles  down 
to  a  compact  mass  about  four  inches  thick, 
which  in  a  less  exposed  and  warmer  location 
would  give  too  much  warmth  and  induce  too 
early  growth.  In  warm  situations  possibly 
a  four-inch  covering  of  leaves  would  answer 
well. 

I  have  generally  used  strawy  manure  and 
with  success  when  the  winter  has  held  steadily 
cold  and  kept  the  ground  frozen  until  the 
manure  could  be  removed  before  any  bulb 
growth  had  penetrated  it.  But,  sometimes, 
the  manure  covering  has  given  disappoint- 
ment, as  when  prematurely  warm  spells  have 
brought  up  an  early  growth  which  came  in 
contact  with  the  manure.  This  condition  pre- 
vailed in  the  spring  of  1906.  As  the  plants 
developed,  there  were  irregular  streaks  of 
sickly  yellow  leaved  plants  throughout  the 
beds.  I  could  not  account  for  this  as  I  knew 


36  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

the  beds  were  well  drained  and  the  soil  prop- 
erly prepared,  and  the  bulbs  had  been  planted 
early.  Mr.  De  Graaff,  the  well-known  daffo- 
dil grower  of  Holland,  was  a  visitor  that  sea- 
son and  soon  convinced  me  that  the  whole 
source  of  trouble  was  with  the  manure  cov- 
ering. A  fungus  seemed  to  have  run  through 
it  and  had  attacked  the  young  growth  of  the 
narcissus;  in  some  cases  traveling  down  the 
leaves  to  the  bulbs  and  even  to  the  roots.  He 
said:  "Use  no  more  manure.  If  you  cannot 
get  reeds  or  rushes,  try  sphagum  moss  or 
cocoanut  fibre  refuse."  A  three-inch  layer  of 
cocoanut  fibre  refuse  is  light  and  airy, 
retains  an  even  degree  of  moisture  and  is 
sufficiently  warm.  It  is  an  ideal  cover.  It 
costs  five  dollars  per  ton  at  any  factory  where 
cocoa  mats  and  such  things  are  made  though 
of  course  there  is  a  freight  charge  to  be  added. 
Salt  meadow  hay  makes  an  excellent  cov- 
ering, and  even  ordinary  straw  and  hay  may 
be  used.  Put  it  on  four  to  six  inches  thick, 
according  to  the  coldness  of  the  latitude  and 
the  exposure.  Should  any  of  these  harbor 
mice,  there  is  little  likelihood  of  their  doing 
any  damage  if  the  covering  is  put  on,  as  it 


IN    THE    GARDEN    BORDER  37 

should  be,  after  the  surface  of  the  ground 
has  frozen  to  a  hard  crust. 

In  the  spring,  as  soon  as  the  ground  is 
workable,  after  the  winter  covering  has  been 
removed,  stir  the  soil  with  a  narrow  rake, 
hand  fork,  or  prong  weeder,  to  break  up  the 
hard-packed  surface  and  so  enable  the  plants 
to  come  through  easily.  If  this  is  not  done 
where  the  soil  is  heavy  the  growths  will  lift 
whole  chunks  of  the  surface  soil  and  the  pres- 
sure often  causes  the  leaves  and  flower  stalks 
to  become  crooked  or  otherwise  deformed. 

GROUPING  IN   GARDENS 

Daffodils  are  most  happily  placed  when 
growing  in  clumps  in  the  foreground  of  a 
border  of  mixed  shrubs  and  herbaceous  plants. 
The  shrubs  supply  sufficient  shelter,  and  shade 
at  all  times,  and  the  herbaceous  plants  grow 
up  and  hide  the  ripening  daffodil  foliage  as 
is  begins  to  get  unsightly.  Here  the  bulbs 
may  remain  undisturbed  to  flourish  and  in- 
crease for  several  years,  or  until  a  reduction 
in  size  and  quantity  of  flowers  indicates  a 
too  crowded  condition,  exhausted  soil,  or 


38  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

both.  Where  that  occurs,  lift  the  clumps, 
divide  and  replant,  as  before  explained. 

Plant  each  variety  by  itself  in  irregular 
colonies  of  from  twelve  to  twenty-five  bulbs, 
each  group  in  a  little  bay  with  a  background 
of  greenery;  in  the  next  bay,  plant  a  colony 
of  some  distinct  type  that  flowers  either  earlier 
or  later,  and  so  on.  Such  an  arrangement 
brings  out  the  full  beauties  of  the  varieties, 
prevents  any  inharmonious  clashes,  and  by 
intermingling  the  early,  mid-season  and  later 
flowering  varieties,  a  long  succession  of  bloom 
may  be  enjoyed  in  all  parts  of  the  border. 

Daffodils  may  also  be  bedded  out  like  hya- 
cinths and  tulips,  and  very  effectively  too.  Yet 
they  never  appear  so  beautiful  as  when  col- 
onised in  the  mixed  border. 

RELATION  TO  SUNSHINE  AND  SHADE 

The  largest  and  most  richly  colored  flowers 
are  those  grown  in  partial  shade,  although 
most  varieties  (particularly  those  having 
flowers  of  thick  substance)  do  well  when  ex- 
posed to  the  full  sun.  Their  flowers  last 
longer  when  protected  to  some  extent,  from 
the  heat  of  the  noonday  sun.  This  can  be 


IN   THE    GARDEN    BORDER  39 

provided  by  shrubbery,  overhanging  limbs 
of  trees,  etc.  All  white  flowered  varieties, 
and  even  the  bi-colour  or  white  winged  trum- 
pets are  particularly  grateful  for  some  shade; 
and  the  rich  colouring  of  the  new  red-orange 
rimmed  crown  varieties  is  only  retained  when 
the  flowers  are  shielded  from  the  sun.  If 
necessary  cut  the  flowers  when  about  half 
open  and  allow  them  to  develop  in  water, 
in  a  cool  shaded  place.  This  is  a  factor  that 
the  American  amateur  should  consider 
when  studying  the  latest  European  lists,  as 
I  have  learned  from  experience.  I  bought 
some  new  sorts  described  in  terms  such  as 
"perianth  showy  white,  cup  rich  golden  yel- 
low, broadly  edged  with  brilliant  scarlet," 
etc.,  and  paid  two  dollars  for  each  bulb,  but 
could  not  at  first  make  the  colouring  of  the 
cups  support  the  description.  Eventually  I 
learned  that  my  failure  was  caused  by  my 
own  lack  of  knowledge,  and  now  all  choice, 
highly  coloured,  and  white  daffodils  are 
grown  under  a  shade  of  tobacco  cloth. 

This  is  a  sort  of  coarse  meshed,  strong 
cheesecloth  that  comes  just  one  rod  wide  and 
is  fastened  on  wire  runners  carried  on  top 


40  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

of  posts  eight  feet  above  the  ground.  Suffici- 
ent sunlight  filters  through  for  perfect  devel- 
opment of  flowers  and  colouring  and  more- 
over it  makes  an  agreeable  shade  for  anyone 
to  study  the  flowers.  Other  advantages  of  this 
protector — which  is  put  on  just  as  soon  as  the 
mulch  is  removed — are  tempering  late  frosts 
and  breaking  the  force  of  heavy  rains,  thus 
preventing  the  bearing  down  of  tall  flower 
stalks  and  splashing  with  dirt.  The  cloth 
may  be  rolled  up  and  put  away  for  another 
season  just  as  soon  as  the  plants  are  through 
flowering,  thus  permitting  the  full  sunshine 
to  accomplish  its  work  of  thoroughly  ripen- 
ing the  foliage  and  bulbs.  If  we  want  good 
flowers  the  succeeding  season,  the  plants  must 
have  abundant  light  and  sun  to  complete  their 
growth.  In  hot  Australia  and  New  Zealand 
daffodil  amateurs  make  lath  houses  and  cover 
the  tops  with  tree  boughs. 

BLOOM  FOR  THREE  MONTHS 

With  a  proper  selection  of  types  and  varie- 
ties embracing  extra  early,  early,  mid-season, 
late  and  extra  late  sorts,  the  "time  of  the 
daffodil"  may  be  extended  in  the  open  ground 


IN    THE    GARDEN    BORDER  41 

over  a  period  of  three  months;  but  only 
where  a  variety  of  locations  is  available,  in- 
fluenced by  depth  of  planting,  and  assisted 
by  depth  and  retention  of  mulch. 

To  accomplish  this,  we  need  consider  only 
the  varieties  flowering  at  the  two  extremes  of 
the  season.  The  "come-betweens,"  comprising, 
at  a  rough  guess,  75  per  cent,  of  the  genus, 
will  supply  an  abundance  of  bloom  through- 
out their  normal  periods  and  we  need  there- 
fore consider  them  no  further  now. 

What  we  need  to  do  is  to  make  some  of 
the  extra  earlies  flower  still  earlier  and  some 
of  the  extra  lates  flower  still  later  than  nor- 
mal. A  choice  of  locations — early  and  late 
grounds — is  the  main  necessity;  the  other 
contributory  essentials  we  have  under  our  own 
control. 

To  appreciate  the  difference  between  early 
and  late  grounds,  take  note  where  the  snows 
always  melt  first — there  the  sun  lingers  long- 
est and  it  is  "early  ground"  compared  to 
where  the  snows  melt  last,  which  is  usually 
on  the  north  or  shade  side  of  a  clump  of 
shrubbery,  fence  or  hedge.  This  will  be  the 
"late"  ground.  The  difference  in  time  between 


42  DAFFODILS— NARCISSUS 

these  melting  snows  will  indicate  how  much 
the  normal  daffodil  flowering  season  may  be 
extended.  By  putting  some  bulbs  of  your  extra 
earlies  in  the  early  ground,  mulching  but  light- 
ly and  removing  same  early,  and  by  planting 
some  extra  lates  in  the  late  ground,  covering 
deeply,  say  with  six  inches  of  soil,  and  retain- 
ing the  mulch  as  long  as  possible,  the  desired 
result  is  assured.  This  fact  was  brought  for- 
cibly to  my  notice  by  accident  soon  after  I 
commenced  growing  daffodils,  although  at 
that  time  my  garden  area  was  only  a  20x30 
foot  yard.  The  bed  on  the  south  side  of  the 
fence  was  fully  three  weeks  earlier  than  that 
on  the  north  side,  and  bulbs  of  the  same  vari- 
ety, planted  on  both  sides,  commenced  flower- 
ing three  weeks  apart. 

When  one's  enthusiasm  in  daffodil  culture 
leads  to  experiments  in  crossing  types  and  rais- 
ing new  seedlings,  one  will  want  to  cross  vari- 
eties that  may  flower  one  or  more  weeks  apart. 
By  reversing  the  directions  just  given  and 
planting  the  late  sort  in  the  early  ground, 
and  the  early  sort  in  the  late  ground,  one  can 
bring  the  two  in  flower  simultaneously  so  that 
they  may  be  hybridized  without  resorting  to 


IN   THE    GARDEN    BORDER  43 

the  more  troublesome  method  of  forcing  the 
late  sort  into  flower  under  glass. 

CUTTING  THE   FLOWERS 

When  flowers  of  narcissus  and  daffodils  are 
to  be  cut  for  house  decoration  or  for  shipping, 
they  should  be  taken  when  partially  open,  al- 
most in  the  bud  state.  If  the  stems  are  then 
at  once  placed  in  water  in  a  cool  shaded  place, 
the  flowers  develop  larger  and  more  richly 
coloured  than  they  would  have  done  if  al- 
lowed to  expand  on  the  plant;  and  they  also 
last  longer. 

In  vasing  daffodil  flowers,  their  own  foli- 
age usually  harmonises  better  and  sets  them 
off  better  than  any  other  greenery.  But  do 
not  for  this  reason  cut  the  foliage  of  choice 
varieties,  for  it  is  needed  by  the  plant  to  assist 
in  properly  ripening  and  storing  up  the  suc- 
ceeding season's  flower.  Use  foliage  from 
the  more  abundant  commoner  kinds,  and  it 
will  be  equally  effective. 

SELECTING  THE  BULBS 

For  garden  planting  or  for  pots  or  forcing 
where  flowers  of  maximum  size  and  quality 


44  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

are  desired  always  choose  "top"  bulbs  or  the 
best  bulbs  the  variety  produces;  but  for  per- 
manent plantings  and  naturalising  the  smaller 
younger  and  cheaper  "seconds"  may  be  used. 
In  selecting  bulbs  for  "Exhibition  flowers," 
an  expert  will  choose  the  largest  old  "single 
crown"  bulbs,  which  give  larger  but  fewer 
flowers  than  the  "double  crown"  or  "mother 
bulbs." 

As  different  varieties  of  narcissus  and  daffo- 
dils make  bulbs  varying  from  half  an  inch 
to  eight  inches  in  circumference,  it  is  difficult 
for  us  to  tell  how  to  select  the  largest  old 
single  crown  bulbs  of  all  varieties  without 
making  the  following  explanation  of  their 
manner  of  growth. 

Specialised  types  (varieties)  of  narcissus 
not  seedlings,  are  increased  by  offsets,  the 
latter  being  produced  by  the  "breaking  up" 
of  the  mother  bulb.  These  offsets  at- 
tain full  growth  and  vitality  usually  in 
about  four  years.  The  next  year  probably 
these  bulbs  will  develop  into  the  "double 
and  triple  nose"  form  (two  or  more  bulbs  in 
one  skin).  They  then  are  "mothers"  an3 
the  succeeding  year  will  probably  break  up. 


Ill 


IN    THE    GARDEN    BORDER  45 

It  is  at  the  maximum  single  crown  age, 
just  before  entering  the  "mother"  stage,  that 
the  bulbs  should  be  chosen  for  maximum 
flowers.  Bulbs  bought  from  a  reliable  dealer 
will  probably  be  of  just  the  right  age,  unless 
his  price  is  considerably  less  than  the  average 
price  of  other  reliable  dealers,  when  it  is 
more  than  probable  that  his  bulbs  are  a  year 
or  two  younger.  If  it  is  possible  to  examine 
the  dealer's  stock  of  bulbs,  look  out  for  a  few 
"double  nosed"  bulbs  as  their  presence  indi- 
cates the  age  of  the  crop  and  shows  that  the 
"singles"  among  them  have  attained  maxi- 
mum size  and  age  in  single  crown  formation. 

Another  thing  to  be  consfdered  is  health. 
This  is  indicated  by  solidity,  weight  and  skin. 
Bulbs  solid  and  weighty  for  their  size  are 
most  likely  in  perfect  health  and  vitality.  To 
test  any,  press  lightly  between  thumb  and 
fingers  both  base  and  neck  and  if  either  feels 
soft  and  giving  or  "spongy"  examine  more 
carefully.  Should  any  basal  rot  be  found  re- 
ject the  infected  bulbs  to  prevent  dissemina- 
tion of  the  disease.  Or  if  the  bulb  be  of  a 
choice  variety  it  may  be  planted  away  from 
the  healthy  ones.  A  handful  of  sand  below 


46  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

and  about  an  invalid  bulb  permits  the  water 
to  drain  away  and  the  bulb  may  recover. 

Look  for  a  clean,  shiny  skin,  indicating 
freedom  from  any  fungus,  although  a  rough 
skin,  though  suspicious,  does  not  necessarily 
mean  a  diseased  bulb. 


CHAPTER  III 

FLOWERING  DAFFODILS  IN  WINTER 

Important  factors — The  best  soil  and  its  preparation- 
Getting  bulbs  early — How  to  order — August  planting — 
Pots  and  potting — Pans  or  pots — What  plunging  does — 
The  ash  packing — Danger  from  heat — Importance  of 
good  roots — Forcing  into  bloom — What  to  do  after 
flowering — Varieties. 

IT  is  an  easy  matter  to  grow  narcissus  in 
the  house  and  have  some  varieties  flower  by 
Christmas,  and  from  that  time  both  narcissus 
and  daffodils  may  be  brought  into  flower  in 
increasing  variety  and  quantity  until  spring. 

The  growing  plants  need  occupy  no  space 
in  the  window  garden,  or  conservatory,  ex- 
cepting while  in  bud  and  blooming,  and  their 
flowering  period  may  be  hastened  or  retarded 
at  pleasure  to  keep  up  the  succession.  For 
earliest  blooms  the  earlier  flowering  varieties 
of  the  Tazetta  group  are  grown,  particularly 
Paper  White  and  Double  Roman;  these  are 
often  in  flower  even  earlier  than  Christmas. 

Successful  winter  flowering  is  dependent 
upon  four  factors : 

47 


48  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

1.  Early  planting.     Procure  the  bulbs  as 
early  as  possible  and  pot  up  at  once. 

2.  Plenty  of  time  to  root  thoroughly  out  of 
doors.     Allow  about  twelve  weeks  for  hardy 
varieties  and  six  weeks  for  tender  Tazetta 
varieties. 

3.  Slow  growth    when  first    brought  into 
the  house,  giving  ventilation  and  keeping  the 
room  or  house  cool:  50°  until  budded,  then 
60°  to  65°  for  flowering. 

4.  Plenty  of  water  when  the  buds  are  de- 
veloping and  when  in  flower. 

MAKING   A   GOOD    POTTING   SOIL 

The  ideal  potting  soil  for  daffodils  is  pre- 
pared six  months  or  more  before  using.  It 
should  be  sod  taken  from  rich  loamy  land. 
Make  your  "mould  pile"  by  first  putting 
down  a  layer  of  inverted  sod,  and  then  cov- 
ering this  with  a  layer  of  old  manure — cow 
manure,  thoroughly  rotted,  is  the  best.  Over 
this  spread  a  layer  of  leaf  mould.  Proceed 
in  that  way  with  another  layer  of  inverted 
sod,  etc.,  until  the  required  quantity  is  stacked. 
This  should  be  in  the  proportion  of  50  per 
cent,  loam  sod,  25  per  cent,  manure,  25  per 


FLOWERING    IN    WINTER  49 

cent,  leaf  mould.  Compost  this  by  turning 
the  pile  three  or  four  times  during  the  season 
to  get  all  ingredients  thoroughly  mixed.  Be- 
fore using,  add  about  four  quarts  of  sand  and 
two  quarts  of  fine  bone  meal  to  a  bushel  of 
the  mould. 

If  it  is  too  much  trouble  for  an  amateur 
to  prepare  the  soil  as  directed,  it  would  be 
better  to  buy  prepared  potting  soil  from  a 
florist,  than  to  rely  on  the  ordinary  garden 
soil.  Of  course,  it  will  be  necessary  to  add 
the  sand  and  bone  meal  just  the  same.  The 
next  best  thing,  if,  for  some  reason,  soil  pre- 
pared in  advance  by  yourself  or  the  florist 
is  not  available,  is  to  lift  some  sod,  tear  it 
apart,  shaking  out  the  soil  and  allowing  the 
small  pieces  of  fibrous  grass  roots  to  remain 
in  it.  Add  bone  meal  and  sand  as  in  the  other 
case,  but  omit  manure.  This  last  injunction 
is  of  paramount  importance. 

IMPORTANCE   OF  AUGUST   POTTING 

Too  much  emphasis  cannot  be  put  on  this: 
get  your  bulbs  as  early  as  possible  and  pot 
at  once. 


50  DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 

A  general  order  for  daffodil  bulbs  sent  to 
the  bulb  dealer  will  not  be  filled  in  the  usual 
course  of  things  until  he  can  complete  the 
order  and  so  ship  the  whole  lot  at  one  time — 
that  is,  after  the  arrival  of  the  Dutch,  Eng- 
lish, Irish  and  Guernsey  bulbs,  which  means 
that  you  get  your  bulbs  about  the  middle  of 
September.  Be  emphatic,  therefore,  in  giving 
instructions  to  ship  the  bulbs  "as  they  come 
in."  The  purchaser  then  receives  early  in 
August,  the  South  of  France  and  Asia  Minor 
bulbs  including  Paper  White,  Double  Roman, 
and  two  or  three  others  of  the  older  Tazetta 
varieties,  as  well  as  three  or  four  varieties 
of  the  old  standard  trumpet  sorts — probably 
Spurius  major,  Golden  Spur,  and  Emperor. 
Be  very  chary  about  accepting  any  Double 
Van  Sion  from  these  sections  as  they  are  apt 
to  produce  flowers  with  some  or  much  green 
in  them.  It  is  just  possible  that  the  bulb 
dealer  will  also  have  a  shipment  in  July  or 
early  in  August  of  a  few  sorts  of  home  grown 
bulbs  from  Virginia,  probably  Golden  Spur, 
Emperor,  Empress,  Barri  conspicuus,  poeti- 
cus,  and  ornatus. 

With  a  start  of  even  half  a  dozen  varieties 


FLOWERING    IN    WINTER  5! 

in  August,  and  the  arrival  of  the  European 
varieties  in  September,  it  is  perfectly  easy 
to  have  a  grand  show  of  narcissus  and  daffo- 
dils all  winter  from  Christmas  on.  The  ob- 
ject of  getting  the  bulbs  potted  early  is  to  givd 
them  plenty  of  time  to  "make  root" — three 
months  is  none  too  long — for  remember  that 
without  good  roots,  good  flowers  cannot  be 
produced  even  from  the  best  bulbs. 

POTS  AND  POTTING 

I  prefer  to  use  five  or  six  inch  pots  with 
several  bulbs  in  each.  The  large  potful  not 
only  gives  better  and  more  pleasing  results, 
but  is  easier  to  manage  than  a  small  pot.  One 
Golden  Spur  daffodil  may  be  grown  and 
flowered  successfully  in  a  four-inch  pot,  but 
it  requires  more  watching  and  care,  is  more 
susceptible  to  changes  of  moisture,  etc.,  than 
three  or  more  Golden  Spurs  in  a  six-inch  pot. 
In  other  words,  it  is  better  to  suit  your  bulbs 
to  the  pot  than  to  suit  the  pot  to  the  bulb. 
An  inch  of  space  between  the  bulbs  in  a  pot 
is  ample. 

In  the  case  of  small-bulbing  varieties,  such 
as  the  Bulbocodium,  trlandrus,  and  cyclami- 


52  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

neus  groups,  a  dozen  or  more  bulbs  may  well 
be  grown  in  a  five  or  six-inch  pot.  On  the 
other  hand,  the  big-bulbing  Tazetta  varieties 
can  only  go  one  bulb  to  a  six-inch  pot.  The 
great  majority  of  the  trumpet  and  crown 
daffodils  can  be  planted  3  to  5  bulbs  to  a  six- 
inch  pot.  Plant  only  one  variety  in  a  pot; 
different  varieties  of  different  heights  and  not 
flowering  simultaneously  give  an  unsatisfac- 
tory result. 

The  pots  to  be  used  must  be  washed  clean,' 
if  old  ones;  and  if  they  are  new,  soak  them 
thoroughly  in  water  so  that  the  pots  them- 
selves will  not  dry  out  the  soil  after  potting. 
Before  putting  in  the  soil,  provide  for  good 
drainage  by  placing  two  or  three  pieces  of 
broken  pots  over  the  hole  in  the  bot- 
tom of  the  pot,  to  prevent  it  from  getting 
stopped  up.  Cover  this  drainage  with  a  small 
layer  of  sphagnum  moss,  cocoanut  fibre  refuse 
or  old  fibrous  roots  that  have  been  shaken  out 
of  sod;  then  fill  in  with  soil  until,  when  it  is 
shaken  down  and  a  bulb  set  on  it,  the  top  of 
the  bulb  is  almost  up  to  the  top  of  the  pot. 

Place  the  requisite  number  of  bulbs  in  po- 
sition, and  fill  in  with  soil  to  within  half  an 


FLOWERING    IN    WINTER  53 

inch  of  the  top  (this  much  space  being  needed 
for  watering) .  A  little  of  the  neck  of  each 
bulb  will  remain  exposed,  excepting  in  the 
case  o?  the  very  small  pea-like  bulbs  of  minia- 
ture varieties,  which  should  be  covered  with 
soil  to  a  depth  of  about  half  an  inch. 

If  earthen  pans  are  used,  the  procedure 
will  be  the  same  as  for  pots.  Eight-inch 
pans  make  ideal  receptacles  and  when  the 
plants  are  in  flower  look  better  than  pots. 
Shallow  boxes  (flats)  are  used  when  flowers 
are  to  be  grown  in  quantity  for  cutting.  This 
is  discussed  in  detail  in  Chapter  V. 

AFTER    POTTING    COMES    "PLUNGING" 

The  secret  of  success  in  flowering  bulbs  is 
to  make  them  develop  roots  before  top  growth 
starts.  The  object  of  "plunging"  potted  bulbs 
out  of  doors  is  to  induce  them  to  do  this  by 
keeping  the  lower  portion  of  the  bulbs 
warmer  than  the  top.  Failure  to  do  this  is 
responsible  for  most  disappointments  in  grow- 
ing and  flowering  bulbs  under  artificial  con- 
ditions. Without  roots  the  flower  can  only 
develop  as  far  as  the  stored  up  nutriment  in 
the  bulb  will  sustain  it;  and,  as  the  bulb's 


54  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

supply  of  food  is  generally  exhausted  before 
the  flower  is  half  grown,  nutrition  supplied 
by  the  roots  then  becomes  essential.  It  is 
easy  to  understand,  therefore,  that  growth 
ceases  if  no  roots  are  at  work  and  the  stunted 
plant  becomes  a  monument  to  incompetent 
treatment.  - 

There  are  various  ways  of  plunging  the 
potted  bulbs;  my  method,  and  the  one  that  I 
think  most  nearly  fulfils  the  requirements  of 
nature,  is  to  dig  a  trench  in  the  garden  a 
foot  deep  in  some  location  sheltered  from  the 
north  and  west,  and  where  water  will  not  flow 
into  it.  A  three-inch  layer  of  coal  ashes  is 
placed  in  the  bottom  of  the  trench  for  drain- 
age and  to  prevent  worms  from  entering  the 
pots.  The  pots  or  pans  of  bulbs  are  then 
placed  closely  together  on  the  ashes  and  the 
interstices  filled  with  soil,  the  trench  being 
filled  in  to  a  little  above  the  level,  and  the 
surface  rounded  over  to  shed  water.  Here 
everything  is  as  conducive  to  root  action  and 
deterrent  to  top  growth  as  if  the  bulbs  were 
planted  in  the  garden  in  the  regular  manner. 
When  the  surface  of  the  ground  is  frozen  to 
a  crust,  a  layer,  three  or  four  inches  deep,  of 


FLOWERING   IN   WINTER  55 

salt  hay,  straw,  or  leaves  is  put  over  all. 

Another  way  is  to  set  the  pots  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  soil  (on  ashes)  in  a  shady  part  of 
the  garden,  hold  them  together  with  a  board 
frame  and  fill  in  around  and  over  with  ashes, 
leaf  mould,  tanbark  or  sand.  Some  growers 
stand  the  pots  on  the  floor  of  a  cool,  airy  cel- 
lar, or  place  them  in  a  cold  pit  or  cold  frame. 
All  of  these  methods  are  successful;  but  I 
prefer  and  always  follow  the  trench  method. 

The  hardy  bulbs,  potted  and  plunged  as 
advised  will  be  sufficiently  rooted  in  twelve 
weeks'  time  and  some  of  the  early  sorts  may 
be  ready  a  week  or  two  sooner.  Most  Taz- 
etta  varieties  root  more  quickly,  Paper  White 
and  Double  Roman  especially,  these  usually 
being  ready  in  five  to  six  weeks'  time. 

If  left  in  the  plunge,  all  the  bulbs  will  rest 
without  making  much,  if  any,  top  growth, 
the  entire  winter.  Advantage  is  taken  of  this 
fact,  and  by  lifting  a  few  pots  at  intervals, 
and  holding  the  remainder  in  storage,  a  con- 
tinuous succession  of  bloom  throughout  the 
winter  is  maintained. 

The  time  required  for  forcing  into  bloom 
after  the  bulbs  are  brought  into  house  heat, 


56  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

varies  from  three  to  five  weeks  according  to 
the  variety.  Before  taking  in  the  first  lot 
of  potted  bulbs  for  forcing,  make  a  careful 
examination  to  see  if  the  pots  are  filled  with 
roots,  and  do  not  take  the  pots  indoors  unless 
they  are.  The  only  way  to  do  this  is  to 
"knock  out"  one  potful  of  bulbs.  Place  the 
palm  of  the  hand  over  the  top  of  the  pot,  in- 
vert the  pot  and  tap  the  edge  lightly  on  a 
box  or  board.  The  ball  of  earth  will  slip 
out  of  the  pot,  intact,  into  your  hand.  If 
the  bulb  is  well  rooted,  the  surface  of  the 
earth  ball  will  show  a  network  of  white  roots. 
If  only  two  or  three  roots  are  visible  and  the 
earth  is  inclined  to  fall  apart,  the  bulb  is  not 
well  rooted  and  is  not  ready  for  forcing.  The 
examination  completed,  slip  the  pot  back  over 
the  ball  of  earth,  turn  the  pot  right  side  up, 
press  the  top  slightly  to  make  all  firm  again, 
and  replace  in  the  plunge. 

FLOWERING    TIME,    AND    AFTER 

When  the  well-rooted  potted  daffodils  are 
taken  from  the  "plunge"  they  must  not  at 
once  be  placed  in  warmth,  but  brought  up  to 
it  progressively.  Too  much  heat  is  apt  to 


FLOWERING    IN    WINTER  57 

expand  the  flower  prematurely  so  that  it  can- 
not pass  the  neck  of  the  bulb;  or,  if  it  does 
get  through,  the  developing  bud  will  be 
strangled  by  its  unopened  sheath.  In  other 
words,  it  "blasts." 

First,  place  the  potted  bulbs  in  a  tempera- 
ture of  45  to  50  degrees,  either  in  cold  pit, 
cold  frame,  azalea  house,  cold  greenhouse, 
light  cool  garret,  or  cellar.  Here  the  young 
growth — probably  blanched  from  its  cover- 
ing in  the  plunge — will  gradually  turn  green 
and  grow  slowly,  but  sturdily.  At  this  stage, 
and  thereafter  until  through  flowering,  water 
freely;  and  once  a  week  give  manure  water 
the  strength  of  brown  tea  or  soluble  commer- 
cial fertilizer  dissolved  in  water,  one  table- 
spoonful  to  a  gallon. 

If  the  flower  stems  and  buds  keep  pace  with 
the  foliage  in  growth,  the  treatment  is  cor- 
rect; if  the  foliage  is  outstripping  the  flower 
stems,  it  is  proof  of  too  much  heat.  When 
both  foliage  and  flower  buds  are  in  an  ad- 
vanced stage  of  development,  the  plants  may 
be  removed  to  their  sunny  flowering  quarters 
in  the  window,  conservatory,  or  greenhouse. 
For  the  best  health  of  the  plants  at  this  time, 


58  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

the  temperature  should  not  exceed  60°  and 
the  atmosphere  should  be  fairly  moist.  In  a 
higher  temperature  and  dry  air,  the  flowers 
sooner  wither. 

AFTER    FLOWERING 

Bulbs  that  have  been  forced  into  flower  in 
the  winter  are  usually  thrown  away,  especially 
the  cheaper  sorts;  still  if  the  variety  is  choice, 
or  prized,  the  plants  may  be  saved.  This  is 
accomplished  by  growing  them  on  in  a  cooler 
temperature  until  the  foliage  has  ripened — 
about  six  weeks  after  blooming — then  turn 
the  pots  on  their  sides,  withhold  water,  and  in 
another  month  remove  the  bulbs  from  the  soil, 
cutting  off  dead  leaves  and  roots,  and  store  in 
a  cool  place  until  the  time  to  plant  in  the  gar- 
den in  July  or  August.  In  a  year  or  two  such 
bulbs  will  have  recuperated  sufficiently  to  be 
again  forced,  but  they  cannot  be  forced  two 
years  in  succession. 

VARIETIES    FOR    WINTER    FLOWERING 

Practically  all  types  and  varieties  of  narcis- 
sus, daffodil,  jonquil,  etc.,  may  be  successfully 


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FLOWERING    IN   WINTER  6 1 

flowered  in  pots,  pans  or  boxes  during  the  win- 
ter if  the  cultural  instructions  previously 
given  are  carefully  followed;  but  some  kinds 
are  much  more  responsive  to  forcing  than 
others.  If  any  are  to  be  ruled  against,  it 
would  be  the  late  and  extra  late  sorts  (those 
marked  E  and  F  in  the  Descriptive  Lists  of 
varieties  on  pages  112  to  207).  These  are 
quite  difficult  to  force,  yet  with  a  maximum 
time  allowance  for  rooting  and  by  growing 
cool — absolutely  without  bottom  heat — 
even  these  may  be  brought  into  flower  in 
March  or  April,  but  not  in  winter.  The  va- 
rieties marked  *  in  the  Descriptive  List  are 
especially  suitable  for  winter  culture  in  pots. 

For  the  convenience  of  the  reader,  a  tabu- 
lar selection  from  the  forcing  varieties  is  giv- 
en on  pages  59  and  60.  The  varieties  named 
embrace  first  class  representatives  from  all  sec- 
tions, including  early,  medium,  and  late  flow- 
ering varieties,  to  maintain  an  unbroken  suc- 
cession of  bloom.  These  are  in  three  grades, 
popular,  choice,  and  fancy,  so  that  the  pock- 
etbooks  of  all  may  be  suited.  It  will,  how- 
ever, be  noted  that  in  the  "fancy"  no  mention 
is  made  of  rare  new  hybrids  that  are  held  at 


62  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

prices  that  are  prohibitive  so  far  as  the  aver- 
age buyer  is  concerned. 

In  addition  to  those  named  in  the  tables 
there  are  a  number  of  small  and  miniature 
flowering  kinds  that  force  most  easily :  Bulbo- 
codium,  (all  varieties)  ;  capax  plenus 
(Queen  Anne's  double  daffodil)  ;  cyclami- 
eus  (cyclamen  flowered)  ;  Johnston!  Queen 
of  Spain;  the  jonquils;  juncifolius;  Macleaii 
(Diomedes  minor)  ;  triandrus  (Angel's 
tears),  all  varieties;  and  trumpet  minimus. 
Plant  these  small  growing  narcissus  1 2  to  1 8 
bulbs  one-half  inch  apart  in  a  pot  or  pan 
of  suitable  size,  putting  only  one  variety 
in  the  pot. 


CHAPTER  IV 

WATER  CULTURE  IN  THE  HOUSE 

No  soil  to  make  dirt  indoors — How  much  water? — Start- 
ing in  the  dark  and  bringing  into  light — The  "blast" — 
Culture  in  plain  water,  sand,  or  moss  fibre — Chinese 
sacred  lily — Trumpet  daffodila  in  hyacinth  glasses — 
Feeding. 

FOR  parlour  and  library  or  any  place  where 
there  is  more  or  less  danger  of  damage  to  car- 
pets and  furniture  from  overflow  watering  of 
potted  plants,  the  method  of  growing  bulbs 
in  glasses  of  water,  bowls  of  pebbles  and  wa- 
ter, and  moss  or  fibre  and  water  has  much  to 
recommend  it.  The  ladies  of  the  family  usu- 
ally find  much  pleasure  in  growing  a  few  flow- 
ers in  this  way  and  the  early  varieties  can 
easily  be  made  to  bloom  by  Christmas  time. 

Whatever  the  method  adopted,  the  pro- 
cedure is  substantially  the  same  in  all 
cases.  The  vessel  holding  the  bulb  and  the 
water  is  put  into  an  airy  cool  cellar,  garret, 
storeroom,  or  cold  pit,  in  dim  light — not  into 
a  close  confined  closet — and  kept  there  until 
63 


64  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

the  bulbs  are  rooted.  The  time  required  is 
five  to  six  weeks  for  the  polyanthus  varieties, 
and  ten  to  twelve  weeks  for  the  hardy  varie- 
ties. By  this  time,  the  tops  will  also  have 
grown  an  inch  or  two.  At  this  stage,  remove 
to  a  light  room  with  a  temperature  of  about 
40°  to  50°  for  two  or  three  weeks  or  until  the 
growth  and  buds  are  prettty  well  developed, 
when  the  plants  may  be  placed  where  they 
are  to  be  used  for  their  decorative  effect. 

The  object  of  starting  the  growth  very  cool 
at  first  and  reaching  warmth  by  progressive 
degrees  is  to  have  the  bulbs  first  make  roots, 
and  then  a  sturdy  growth  and  produce  flow- 
ers of  greater  substance  and  lasting  qualities. 
Too  much  warmth,  especially  at  first,  induces 
long,  limp  leaves  and  is  apt  to  cause  the  flow- 
ers to  "blast,"  i.  e.  fail  to  open  the  sheath. 

Daffodils  may  be  successfully  grown  in 
glasses  by  using  ordinary  hyacinth  glasses 
filled  with  soft  or  rain  water,  not  quite  touch- 
ing the  bottom  of  the  bulb.  A  lump  of  char- 
coal in  the  bottom  assists  in  keeping  the  wa- 
ter sweet.  Replenish  the  water  as  evapora- 
tion reduces  the  quantity  and  change  entirely 
every  week  or  two,  or  whenever  there  is  an 


WATER    CULTURE    IN    THE    HOUSE       65 

indication  of  its  getting  stale.  A  pinch  of 
some  soluble  plant  food,  purchasable  at  seed 
stores,  in  each  glass  of  water  once  a  week 
while  the  plants  are  in  bud  and  blooming  will 
be  of  great  benefit. 

Probably  any  of  the  early  flowering  daffo- 
dils may  be  grown  in  this  way  but  the  follow- 
ing trumpet  varieties  have  proven  well 
adapted:  Henry  Irving,  Golden  Spur,  Hors- 
fieldi,  Victoria,  and  Double  Van  Sion. 

THE  CHINESE  SACRED  LILY  IN  WATER 

Varieties  of  the  polyanthus  section,  espec- 
ially the  so-called  "Chinese  Sacred  Lily"  give 
very  beautiful  results  when  grown  in  glass 
bowls  filled  with  pebbles  and  water.  The 
pebbles  are  used  merely  to  support  the  bulb. 
Use  shallow  bowls,  place  a  little  granulated 
charcoal  in  the  bottom  to  keep  the  water 
sweet,  and  cover  with  a  one-inch  layer  of  bird- 
gravel  or  sand.  Set  the  bulbs  on  this  nearly 
touching  one  another,  three  or  more  to  a  bowl, 
according  to  size.  Fill  in  with  white  pebbles, 
or,  if  they  are  not  available,  more  bird-gravel. 
This  will  prevent  the  plant  from  toppling 
over  when  in  leaf  and  bloom.  Pour  in  water 


66  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

until  it  almost  reaches  the  bulbs.  Place  in  a 
cool  spot  to  root,  and  grow  on  in  a  low  tem- 
perature as  advised  in  the  preceding  pages. 
Replenish  the  water  as  it  evaporates  and 
occasionally  change  if  it  shows  any  signs  of 
getting  stale. 

Some  of  the  early  flowering  trumpet  daffo- 
dils may  also  be  grown  in  this  way,  but  the 
kinds  of  narcissus  almost  infallibly  successful 
are  the  Tazetta  varieties,  especially  gloriosa, 
Grand  Soleil  d'Or,  Grand  Monarque,  Maes- 
tro, Paper  White,  and  particularly  the  Chi- 
nese sacred  lily,  the  latter  coming  into  bloom 
the  quickest  of  any,  often  in  six  weeks  from 
planting. 

By  making  an  incision  just  through  the  skin 
across  the  bulbs  of  the  Chinese  variety  and 
about  an  inch  from  the  top  of  the  main  bulb, 
it  will  liberate  an  additional  lot  of  leaves  and 
flowers.  By  this  method  one  bulb  will  often 
bear  eight  to  twelve  spikes  of  bloom. 

FIBRE  OR  MOSS  AND  WATER 

This  is  perhaps  the  best  and  most  success- 
ful of  all  methods  of  water  culture.  Use 
bowls,  pots,  or  jardinieres  without  holes. 


WATER    CULTURE    IN   THE    HOUSE       67 

To  prepare  the  medium,  take  one  part  of 
cocoanut  fibre — or  if  that  is  not  available, 
sphagnum  moss — and  add  to  it  one  pint  of 
granulated  charcoal  and  one  quart  of  washed 
sand  or  bird-gravel.  Mix  thoroughly.  It 
will  probably  be  necessary  to  tear  the  fibre  or 
moss  to  pieces  to  accomplish  this.  Place 
about  two  inches  of  this  material  in  the  bot- 
tom of  the  jardiniere,  put  the  bulbs  on  it, 
nearly  touching  one  another,  and  fill  in  with 
more  material,  making  all  quite  compact,  but 
do  not  jam  too  tight.  Leave  only  a  portion 
of  the  necks  of  the  bulbs  exposed.  Water  to 
thoroughly  moisten  the  fibre  all  through;  and 
turn  the  vessel  on  its  side  until  all  surplus 
water  has  drained  off. 

Rooting  can  be  done  in  any  cool,  airy  room ;, 
and,  for  the  rest,  follow  the  directions  given 
in  the  preceding  paragraphs.  The  fibre  must 
never  be  allowed  to  get  dry — neither  must  it 
be  so  freely  watered  that  it  becomes  soggy, 
at  least  not  until  the  plants  are  in  bud  and 
blooming,  during  which  period  they  will  stand 
more  water. 

As  stimulating  food  for  the  bulbs  grown 
by  the  moss  and  water  method  a  little  weak 


68  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

manure  water  the  strength  of  brown  tea  may 
be  used,  but  I  prefer  the  soluble  plant  food 
tablets  on  sale  at  the  seed  stores.  They  are 
clean,  odourless  and  quickly  dissolved  in  warm 
water.  Dissolve  one  tablet  to  a  gallon  of 
water  and  give  each  pot  a  tablespoonful  of 
this  solution  once  a  week. 

All  hardy  varieties  previously  recom- 
mended for  pot  culture,  and  all  of  the  half- 
hardy  polyanthus  varieties,  may  be  grown  in 
fibre  or  moss  and  water — preference  being 
given  to  the  early  and  mid-season  flowering 
kinds. 

Some  English  amateurs  have  been  most 
successful  with  the  method.  A  report  of  a  daf- 
fodil show  at  Bideford  states:  "Especially 
noticeable  were  Mrs.  Hobhouse's  six  trum- 
pet daffodils,  grown  in  moss  fibre — Golden 
Spur,  Empress,  Mrs.  Thompson,  Victoria, 
princeps,  and  albicans.  These  were  a  mass 
of  bloom,  containing  over  100  fully-devel- 
oped flowers,  size  and  quality  leaving  noth- 
ing to  be  desired,  while  the  foliage  was  per- 
fect. The  best  pot  of  daffodils  in  the  show, 
and  which  deservedly  won  the  silver  medal, 
was  grown  by  Miss  Farrington,  and  had 


WATER   CULTURE    IN   THE    HOUSE       69 

twenty  splendid  flowers  of  Sir  Watkin.  The 
whole  pot  was  as  sturdy  as  if  grown  in  the 
open  and  in  the  most  congenial  soil.  This 
shows  what  can  be  done  with  moss  fibre." 


CHAPTER  V 

THE  COMMERCIAL  PRODUCTION  OF  CUT 
FLOWERS 

The  florist's  special  requirements — Economy  of  bench  space 
— Making  flats — Burying  in  the  open — Temperatures — 
When  to  water — Feeding  and  stimulating — Profitable 
forcing  varieties — Causes  of  failure — A  new  industry — 
Daffodil  cut  flower  farms — Field  culture  in  the  South 
— Preparation  of  the  ground — Shipping  the  flowers. 

THE  florist  whose  sole  object  is  to  produce 
during  winter,  under  glass,  a  large  quantity 
of  high  quality  flowers  in  a  small  space  with 
the  minimum  of  labor  and  expense  grows  his 
daffodils  in  "flats."  The  cultural  details  in 
this  case,  however,  do  not  differ  materially 
from  those  already  described  in  Chapter  III, 
though  here  the  routine  of  handling  is  more 
specialised. 

FORCING  IN  FLATS 

Flats  are  shallow  boxes  or  trays  about  four 
inches  deep  and  of  a  size  approximating  12 
to  1 8  inches,  though  the  actual  size  should 
70 


COMMERCIAL  PRODUCTION  7  I 

be  such  that  they  may  be  placed  on  the  green- 
house bench  without  loss  of  room.  A  flat  of 
the  dimensions  given  will  hold  36  to  48  bulbs, 
according  to  size,  allowing  a  space  of  from 
1-2  inch  to  i  inch  between  bulbs,  which  is 
sufficient.  The  reason  for  using  flats  is  to 
economise  space,  enabling  one-third  more 
bulbs  to  be  grown  to  a  square  foot  of  bench 
than  could  be  done  in  pots  or  pans.  The  flow- 
ers produced  in  flats  are  exclusively  for  cut- 
ting and  they  are  nearly  as  good  as  those  pro- 
duced in  any  other  way. 

The  flat  should  have  a  few  holes  or  a 
couple  of  slits  or  cracks  in  the  bottom  to 
permit  free  drainage,  these  openings  being 
covered  with  moss,  fibre,  or  the  fibrous  roots 
from  old  sod  to  prevent  soil  from  washing  out. 
Put  over  this  an  inch  of  the  prepared  soil  and 
set  in  the  bulbs,  using,  of  course,  only  one  va- 
riety to  a  flat.  Fill  in  with  more  mould  to 
within  half  an  inch  of  the  top  of  the  flat;  give 
a  good  watering  if  the  soil  is  dry  and  place 
— preferably — in  an  uncovered  frame.  Fin- 
ally cover  the  flats  with  old  leaf  mould,  ashes, 
tanbark,  or  soil  to  a  depth  of  three  or  four 
inches. 


72  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

The  buried  flats  or  boxes  are  now  to  re- 
main without  any  further  attention,  not  even 
watering,  until  the  bulbs  are  thoroughly 
rooted,  which  will  require:  for  the  Paper 
White  and  early  flowering  Tazetta  varieties 
from  five  to  six  weeks,  and  for  the  hardy  varie- 
ties, the  trumpets,  etc.,  from  ten  to  twelve 
weeks.  The  earlier  the  normal  flowering 
time  of  a  variety  the  quicker  it  roots. 

BRINGING  INTO  WARMTH 

When  the  bulbs  are  well  rooted  the  mulch- 
ing is  removed  and  the  flats  taken  into  a  cold 
shed,  cold  greenhouse,  or  pit  with  a  tempera- 
ture of  from  45°to  50°,  and  kept  there  until 
the  foliage  has  grown  somewhat  and  the  buds 
are  well  up.  From  here  a  few  flats  are  taken 
at  different  intervals,  when  a  succession  of 
bloom  is  desired,  into  the  greenhouse  or  con- 
servatory, for  flowering.  Even  here  a  tem- 
perature of  from  60°  to  65°  is  high  enough 
for  the  best  flowers.  The  early  flowering 
Tazetta  varieties  can  stand  a  slightly  higher 
temperature  with  some  loss  of  substance  only; 
but  the  later  flowering  and  hardy  varieties 
will  in  all  probability  fail  to  develop  their 


COMMERCIAL  PRODUCTION  73 

flowers — "go  blind,"  as  it  is  termed,  in  a  high 
temperature. 

As  soon  as  the  flats  are  brought  indoors, 
watering  must  be  attended  to  carefully,  espe- 
blooming.  At  this  stage  of  growth  daffodils 
will  consume  great  quantities  of  water  and  a 
meagre  supply  is  sure  to  result  in  poor  flow- 
ers, if  not  in  absolute  failure.  A  moist  atmo- 
sphere should  be  kept  in  the  greenhouse  to  as- 
sist the  flower  sheaths  in  opening,  in  fact  an 
occasional  good  syringing  is  advisable  for 
this  very  purpose.  In  the  open  air,  the  wind 
and  rain,  and  the  movement  of  the  plants  as- 
sist in  opening  the  sheath  and  in  preventing 
its  drying  up  and  strangling  the  enclosed 
flower.  Manure  water  diluted  with  water  to 
the  colour  of  weak  tea,  applied  once  a  week 
(about  a  pint  to  a  flat),  will  materially  assist 
in  the  production  of  large,  well-formed 
flowers. 

Bottom  heat  must  not  be  given.  Some  varie- 
ties, particularly  those  of  the  poeticus  family, 
or  in  which  the  poeticus  blood  predominates, 
resent  heat.  Even  though  well  rooted,  they 
cannot  be  forced  beyond  their  limit.  A  case 
in  point :  A  well-rooted  batch  of  poeticus  or- 


74  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

natus  was  brought  into  heat  too  quickly  and 
the  top  growth  simply  stood  still — it  would 
not  budge  with  six  weeks  of  forcing.  The 
grower  finally  in  disgust  threw  the  flats  out 
of  doors  where  the  bulbs  encountered  the 
rigours  of  frost  and  snow,  but  with  the  ad- 
vent of  spring  weather  developed  plump  buds 
and  later  splendid  flowers.  This  will  empha- 
sise the  vital  importance  of  making  haste 
slowly  when  forcing  the  naturally  late-flower- 
ing kinds.  A  good  rule  to  keep  in  mind  when 
forcing  hardy  narcissus  is:  Temperature  40° 
for  roots,  then  50°  until  the  buds  are  through 
the  necks,  then  60°  to  65°  for  best  and  most 
substantial  flowers  and  foliage,  70°  to  80°  to 
rush  growth  and  bloom  with  loss  of  substance 
and  danger  of  going  "blind." 

VARIETIES  FOR  FLAT  CULTURE 

All  the  undermentioned  varieties  (page 
75)  will  "force."  It  is  understood  that  the 
early  flowering  varieties  can  be  held  back  to 
flower  later  than  the  time  specified;  but  the 
late-flowering  sorts  cannot  safely  be  brought 
in  bloom  before  the  time  mentioned.  Some  of 


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7  6  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

the  varieties  named  may  be  a  little  too  high 
priced  for  general  commercial  work;  but  will 
be  found  beautiful  for  private  use  where  qual- 
ity, irrespective  of  cost,  is  more  considered. 

While  the  forcing  into  early  bloom  is  a 
comparatively  easy  matter  for  the  experienced 
commercial  grower  and  well-informed  pri- 
vate gardener,  yet  there  are  others  to  whom 
success  is  not  always  assured.  Their  failures 
are  usually  traceable  to  neglect  of  some  one 
or  more  of  three  things:  ist,  early  planting; 
2nd,  cool  treatment  (45°  to  50°)  until  the 
buds  are  well  through  the  necks;  3rd,  plenty 
of  water  and  a  moist  atmosphere  while  in  bud 
and  bloom. 

« . 

FIELD  CULTURE  FOR  MARKET  FLOWERS 

Within  the  last  few  years  a  new  industry 
has  been  developed  in  the  United  States,  the 
growing  of  daffodils  under  field  culture  for 
the  production  of  cut  flowers  for  market. 
Though  yet  in  its  infancy,  there  does  not  seem 
to  be  any  reason  why  this  industry  should 
not  attain  considerable  proportions.  There 
are  three  establishments  of  this  kind  of  which 


PAPER-WHITE  NARCISSUS  AS  A  PARLOUR  PLANT 
It  may  be  grown  in  bowls  of  water  like  the  Chinese  Sacred  Lily  and  can  be  had  in 
flower  before  Christmas   if  potted  in  August  and  brought  into  the  light  as  soon  as 
rooted  (six  to  eight  weeks) 


A  flat  measuring  12x18x14  inches  will  accommodate  three  to  four  dozen  bulbs. 
Water  thoroughly  and  place  under  cover,  either  in  a  frame  or  buried  in  the  open  ground 
under  light  soil  or  salt  hay  until  rooted.  Polyanthus  varieties  root  in  six  weeks; 
trumpet  varieties  in  ten  to  twelve  weeks. 


After  rooting,  take  the  flats  into  a  cold  shed  (temperature  45°  to  60°),  keeping 
them  there  until  the  foliage  and  buds  are  well  up.  From  this  cold  shed  they  can 
be  brought  in  for  forcing  as  required,  in  a  temperature  of  60°  to  65° 

COMMERCIAL  CULTIVATION  IN  FLATS 


COMMERCIAL  PRODUCTION  77 

I  have  personal  knowledge,  and  probably 
there  are  others. 

The  pioneer  daffodil  farm  is  near  Peters- 
burg, Va.,  a  second  started  up  near  Ports- 
mouth, Va.,  and  the  third  is  situated  a  few 
miles  southeast  of  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

It  is  significant  that  these  three  daffodil 
farms  are  situated  in  practically  the  same  lati- 
tude ;  not  too  far  south  for  the  well  doing  of 
hardy  daffodils,  and  yet  not  so  far  north  but 
that  their  open  ground  flowers  can  be  pro- 
duced sufficiently  early  to  compete — especially 
for  Easter  trade — with  the  daffodils  forced 
under  glass  in  the  North.  These  farms  com- 
mence to  cut  flowers  in  March. 

A  FLOWER  "FARM" 

The  soil  of  the  Petersburg  daffodil  farm 
is  ordinarily  good  "corn  ground,"  a  long  cul- 
tivated sandy  loam.  This  was  manured  heav- 
ily and  plowed.  A  subsoil  plow  followed  in 
the  furrow  to  break  the  hardpan  and  open  the 
subsoil,  mole-track  like,  to  a  depth  of  eighteen 
inches.  A  crop  of  cowpeas  was  grown  on  the 
land  and  plowed  under  in  the  fall.  The  next 


7  8  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

spring  this  ground  was  again  plowed  and 
harrowed,  leaving  the  soil  in  a  fine  mechanical 
condition — a  rich  deep  sandy  loam,  with  mois- 
ture holding  humus. 

Planting  is  done  in  July  and  August,  the 
bulbs  being  dropped  four  to  six  inches  apart 
in  furrows  plowed  out  six  inches  deep.  Five 
or  six  furrows,  one  foot  apart,  constitute  a 
bed,  and  the  beds  are  separated  by  a  three- 
foot  walk.  These  walks  are  for  the  conven- 
ience of  the  flower  gatherers,  affording  a  con- 
venient place  to  set  the  baskets,  preventing  in- 
jury to  the  plants.  In  early  winter  a  top 
dressing  of  strawy  manure  is  placed  over  the 
beds  and  is  allowed  to  remain  as  the  growers 
think  that  longer  stems  are  thus  produced. 

The  first  spring  after  planting  only  a  fair 
crop  of  medium-sized  flowers  is  produced — 
possibly  because  the  more  expensive,  large- 
sized,  bulbs  are  not  planted.  But  the  second 
year  after  planting,  and  for  three  or  four 
years  more,  great  quantities  of  long-stemmed 
flowers  are  gathered.  About  the  fifth  or 
sixth  year  after  planting  the  bulbs  become 
crowded  as  a  result  of  natural  increase  and  the 
flowers  they  bear  are  smaller  and  less  salable. 


COMMERCIAL  PRODUCTION  79 

Consequently  they  are  dug  up,  separated,  and 
replanted  in  fresh  ground. 

GATHERING  WITH  LONG  STEMS 

The  flowers  are  gathered  when  only  about 
half  open  for  they  develop  quickly  after  they 
reach  the  customer  and  the  stems  are  put  into 
water.  As  long  stemmed  flowers  are  de- 
manded in  the  markets,  the  stems  are  pulled 
as  long  as  possible,  not  cut  nor  broken  off. 

As  the  flowers  are  gathered  in  the  field  they 
are  stood  up  in  baskets,  and  carried  to  the 
packing  shed  where  the  stems  are  placed  in 
tubs  of  water,  to  absorb  moisture  and  freshen 
up  the  flowers.  Girls  now  pick  them  out,  one 
by  one,  tieing  them  in  bunches  of  twenty-five. 
The  bunches  are  long,  flat,  and  one  sided,  a 
layer  of  two  or  three  flowers,  then  an  under 
layer,  and  so  on,  every  care  being  exercised  so 
that  the  flowers  are  not  bruised  or  broken. 
The  bunches  are  then  packed  for  shipment  in 
light,  wooden  boxes, — paper  lined,  to  retain 
a  moist  atmosphere — and  sent  by  express  to 
various  city  flower  markets. 

Very  many  varieties  may  be  grown  under 
field  culture  for  cut  flowers,  but  naturally  the 


8o 


DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 


expensive,  newer,  large-flowering  hybrids  can- 
not be  used  with  profit,  for  the  bulbs  must  be 
planted  by  the  thousands.  So  long  as  the  flow- 
ers are  of  good-size  with  long  stems,  all  varie- 
ties seem  to  bring  the  grower  about  the  same 
average  price,  5oc.  for  a  hundred  flowers, 
though  early  in  the  season  they  often  realise 
double  that  figure  or  more ;  but  late  in  the  sea- 
son the  return  is  much  less.  For  this  reason  the 
old  reliable  medium-priced  standard  sorts 
mentioned  below  are  chosen.  These,  well 
grown,  produce  large  marketable  flowers  on 
long  stems,  and  the  different  kinds  furnish 
succession  of  bloom  for  two  months  or  more. 

DAFFODILS  FOR  CUT  FLOWERS  OUTDOORS 


Type 


Name 


Season 


Large  trumpet,  yellow 
bicolor 

Henry   Irving 
rugilobus 
Golden  Spur 
Double    Van    Sion 
Emperor 
Horsfieldi 
Victoria 
Empress 

Early 
Early 
Early 
Early 
Mid-season 
Early 
Early 
Mid-season 

Medium  trumpet,  crown, 
or  cup 

incomparabilis  Sir  Watkin 
incomparabilis    Autocrat 
stella  superba 
Barrii    conspicuus 
LeerUii     Dtitchess     of 
Westminster 
noetirtis  ornatus 

Early 
Mid-season 
Mid-season 
Late 

T.at* 

Late 

CHAPTER  VI 

NATURALISING  IN  THE  GRASS 

The  lesson  from  nature — Where  to  plant — How  to  colonise 
in  meadows — Where  delicate  kinds  flourish — Methods 
of  planting — Hardy  varieties  naturalised  in  New  Eng- 
land— The  Tazetta  in  Bermuda— What  to  Plant. 

"NATURALISING"  is  a  most  effective 
method  of  planting  daffodils.  By  this  term  I 
mean  planted  broadcast  in  quantity  in  field, 
meadow,  open  woodland  or  the  wilder  por- 
tions of  the  estate,  and  left  alone  to  flourish 
and  spread  along  natural  lines.  All  the  hardy 
daffodils  may  be  naturalised,  the  wild  types 
doing  the  best  while  the  larger  flowering 
modern  hybrids  are  likely  to  "run  out" ;  that 
is  to  say,  they  may  lose  their  size,  and  dete- 
riorate toward  the  parental  types. 

The  effect  of  the  daif odil  blooms  mingling 
among  the  grass  is  one  that  cannot  well  be 
described  in  words.  The  army  of  graceful 
flowers  nodding  and  waving  with  the  breeze 
is  entrancingly  beautiful.  The  greater  the 
quantity  used,  the  more  the  pleasure  derived. 

81 


82  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

It  is  the  collective  view  of  the  mass  that  at- 
tracts and  not  a  close  analysis  of  the  indi- 
vidual flowers. 

The  naturaliser  should  make  his  plantings 
simulate  nature's  distribution  of  plants.  Do 
not  plant  bulbs  evenly  over  the  field,  in  serried 
ranks,  but  take  double  handfuls  of  the  bulbs 
and,  as  it  were,  scoop  them  out  over  the  sur- 
face of  the  ground  in  irregular  masses,  plant- 
ing them  where  they  fall,  dense  in  one  place, 
thin  in  another.  Scattered  in  this  way,  they 
grow  with  a  natural  effect  which  is  little  dis- 
tinguishable from  the  handiwork  of  Nature 
herself. 

COLONIZING  IN  MEADOWS 

In  the  meadows  of  England  the  Double 
Van  Sion,  or  N.  telamonius  var.  plenus,  covers 
acre  upon  acre. 

Colonies  may  be  established  wherever  there 
is  a  bit  of  grassland  that  need  not  be  mown 
before  the  end  of  June,  for  narcissus  leaves 
must  not  be  cut  before  the  bulbs  are  thorough- 
ly ripe  if  flowers  are  desired  the  next  season. 
The  charm  of  a  mass  of  daffodils  in  flower  is 
often  enhanced  when  it  is  opened  to  our  view 


NATURALISING    IN    GRASS  83 

in  unexpected  places.  A  colony  in  flower 
with  a  background  of  sombre  tree-trunks  is 
contrastingly  effective,  a  group  on  the  bank 
of  a  stream,  pond  or  lake  with  reflections  of 
the  flowers  mirrored  in  the  water  is  entran- 
cing. A  pocket  of  soil  beneath  some  boulder 
on  the  hillside  enlivened  with  daffodils  will 
be  a  gem.  Dozens  of  locations  will  suggest 
themselves  to  those  who  catch  the  spirit  of 
planting  daffodils  to  simulate  nature's  plant- 
ings. But  only  those  who  have  seen  narcissus 
and  daffodils  naturalised  can  fully  appreciate 
their  wealth  of  beauty,  creating  a  picture  not 
unlike  a  cloud  of  gold  and  silver  butterflies 
resting  on  the  turf — yet  ever  restless,  nodding 
and  fluttering. 

THE  MATTER  OF  SITE  AND  SOIL 

Naturalising  is  so  universally  successful 
because  the  bulbs  when  grown  thus  are  not 
so  particular  as  to  soil  as  when  grown  under 
garden  cultivation.  Planted  in  grass  they 
are  in  an  ideal  home;  the  turf  is  sweet  and 
free  from  manure,  the  soil's  moisture  and  tem- 
perature are  more  evenly  maintained,  and, 
moreover,  the  grass-roots  bind  together  the 


84.  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

upper  and  lower  strata  of  soil,  rendering  the 
bulbs  less  susceptible  to  the  tearing  of  alter- 
nate freezing  and  thawing,  and  the  winter 
mulch  or  protection  of  dead  grass  is  better 
than  what  we  can  supply  under  artificial  con- 
ditions; therefore  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at 
that  many  delicate  varieties  often  thrive  for 
years  under  these  conditions  but  die  out  after 
a  season  or  two  in  the  garden. 

At  the  same  time,  if  a  variety  of  soils  and 
situations  are  available,  choice  should  be 
made  to  suit  variety  to  soil.  Thus,  on  the 
heavy,  moist,  lowland,  plant  the  poeticus  and 
odorus  families  and  on  the  high  land,  with 
lighter  soil,  the  white  trumpets  which  revel  in 
checkered  sun  and  shade.  Almost  any  situa- 
tion will  answer  for  the  other  classes;  viz: 
the  all-yellow  and  bi-colour  trumpets,  and  va- 
rieties of  the  incomparabilis,  Barii,  Burbidgei 
and  Leedsii  groups.  In  moist,  heavy  soils 
daffodils  increase  by  offsets  and  then  grow  in 
clumps.  In  harder  ground  the  increase  is 
mostly  from  seed  and  the  plants  grow  singly. 

ART  IN  GROUPING 
If  group  planting  is  followed,  never  mix 


NATURALISING    IN    GRASS  85 

two  varieties,  but  plant  each  kind  by  itself.  It 
is  quite  permissable  and  indeed  very  effective 
to  plant  two  or  three  groups,  early,  mid-sea- 
son and  late-flowering  sorts,  in  proximity  so  as 
to  keep  up  a  longer  display  of  bloom.  Ar- 
range the  groups  or  collections  of  groups  so 
there  will  be  a  liberal  breadth  of  grass  be- 
tween to  act  as  a  foil.  Plant  the  bulbs  with  a 
bounteous  hand — about  six  inches  apart — not 
less  than  twenty-five  bulbs  of  one  kind  to  a 
group —  though  100  to  1,000  will  be  better  if 
the  area  of  ground  permits.  Arrange  the 
groups  with  irregular  outlines,  having  a  dense 
patch,  not  necessarily  at  the  centre,  as  a  focus 
point  for  the  eye;  no  circles,  no  squares,  no 
rows,  and  no  two  groups  alike. 

Another  method  of  natural  planting,  espe- 
cially suitable  for  borders  and  shrubbery,  is 
in  dense,  irregular  clumps.  Old  plantings  of 
bulbs  will  often  take  on  this  character,  and  in 
truth,  as  the  influence  of  time  is  felt,  irregu- 
larity of  distribution  with  heavy,  dense  masses 
irregularly  outlined  here  and  there,  is  the  ul- 
timate disposition.  This  effect  is  due  to  two 
prime  causes  of  planting  in  natural,  or  unpre- 
pared soil ;  namely,  that  certain  bulbs  find  ex- 


86  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

ceptionally  congenial  situations,  while  others 
are  set  in  spots  absolutely  uncongenial  and 
consequently  die. 

HOW  TO  PLANT  BULBS  IN  TURF 

The  bulbs  are  most  quickly  planted  when 
the  ground  is  soft  after  a  rain.  I  then  use  a 
spade  handle,  sharpened  dibber-like.  A  cross 
piece,  mortised  in  and  securely  bolted  about 
eight  inches  from  the  point,  serves  as  a  foot 
rest  to  assist  in  thrusting  the  dibber  in  the 
earth.  Working  the  handle  a  little  enlarges 
the  hole  at  the  bottom  large  enough  to  re- 
ceive the  base  of  the  bulb  which  should  be 
about  six  inches  below  the  surface.  After 
dropping  in  a  bulb,  fill  in  with  a  handful  of 
soil.  The  bulb  will  thus  have  a  covering  of 
soil  three  to  four  inches  deep. 

Another  method  that  is  quite  expeditious 
and  satisfactory  is  called  "notch  planting." 
A  sloping  cut  is  made  with  a  spade,  the  turf 
and  soil  being  pried  up  and  held  by  a  man 
while  a  boy  places  two  or  three  bulbs  in  the 
cleft.  The  turf  is  then  tramped  back  firmly. 
The  bulbs  in  this  style  of  planting  lie  inclined 


NATURALISING   IN    GRASS  87 

on  their  sides,  but  it  does  not  seem  to  make 
any  difference  for  the  growth  comes  up 
straight  above  the  surface. 

VARIETIES   FOR  NATURALISING 

For  naturalising  in  lawns  which  have  to  be 
cut  in  May  the  following  extra  early  flower- 
ing miniature  daffodils  may  be  utilised :  trum- 
pet minimus,  cyclamineus,  moschatus  (Span- 
ish), trumpet  minor  and  capax  plenus.  They 
make  a  beautiful  picture  when  in  flower 
against  the  green  grass  carpet,  and  will  be  suf- 
ficiently matured  not  to  be  injured  for  the 
next  season's  blooming  if  the  grass  is  not 
mown  before  May. 

TRUMPETS  IN  NEW  ENGLAND 

There  is  an  impression  in  some  quarters 
that  the  trumpet  daffodils  cannot  be  natura- 
lised as  far  north  as  New  England,  but  Mr. 
John  Parkinson,  of  Boston,  is  said  to  have 
large  groups  of  Emperor  and  Empress  plan- 
ted twenty  years  ago  on  his  country  estate, 
at  Bourne,  Mass.  At  the  Ames  Estate,  North 


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NATURALISING    IN    GRASS  89 

Easton,  these  varieties,  together  with  prin- 
ceps  and  Golden  Spur,  are  naturalised  in  a 
spot  where  the  soil  is  always  quite  damp ; 
they  have  now  been  planted  seven  years  and 
show  a  gratifying  increase,  but  it  is  noted  that 
the  smaller  white  flowered  Leedsii  varieties 
increase  faster  than  those  of  the  large  trum- 
pets. On  the  other  hand,  Mr.  E.  O.  Orpet 
at  South  Lancaster  reports  that  he  finds 
that  the  trumpets  do  better  where  the  soil 
dries  out  during  the  summer  resting  period 
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In  warm  climates,  the  Tazettas  or  polyan- 
thus narcissus  will  naturalise  and  spread  like 
weeds.  On  the  island  of  Bermuda  one  of 
these  charming  varieties  has  escaped  from 
cultivation  and  has  become  as  firmly  estab- 
lished as  any  wild  native.  In  this  congenial 
climate  there  are  narcissus  flowers  from  De- 
cember to  July.  The  residents  assert  that 
these  narcissus  have  been  growing  in  the  same 
places  "since  they  could  remember." 


CHAPTER  VII 

MINIATURE  DAFFODILS  FOR  THE  ROCK 
GARDEN 

Little  gems  that  would  be   lost   in   the  border — Mountain 
species  to  grow  only  in  rock  pockets  and  special  soils. 

THERE  are  a  number  of  dainty  little-flow- 
ered members  of  the  daffodil  family,  of  per- 
fect form,  that  if  planted  in  the  garden  and 
border  would  be  practically  lost  to  sight,  yet 
they  are  gems  when  grouped,  a  dozen  or  more 
of  a  kind,  two  to  four  inches  apart,  in  the  soil 
pockets  of  a  rockery.  In  fact,  some  of  these 
"tiny  tims"  were  found  wild  in  the  fastnesses 
of  mountains,  growing  in  the  crevices  of 
rocks  in  little  pockets  of  gritty  soil  and  they 
do  not  seem  able  to  live  in  cultivation  unless 
in  a  properly  built  rockery — or  rock  garden 
— with  well-drained  soil  pockets  leading  clear 
to  the  surface  of  the  ground — filled  in  with 
gritty,  peaty,  soil  and  positively  no  manure. 
They  thrive  to  perfection  under  suitable  con- 
ditions and  increase  for  several  years.  If  a 
90 


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92  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

low  growth  of  alpine  plants,  hardy  mosses  or 
even  short  fine-leaved  grass  can  carpet  their 
nests,  the  bulbs  seem  to  last  longer;  moreover, 
such  a  mulch  keeps  the  rain  from  splashing 
dirt  on  to  the  flowers,  and,  peeping  through 
the  green,  they  present  a  picture  in  the  spring 
far  out  of  the  ordinary. 

All  those  named  in  the  adjoining  table  are 
adapted  to  rock-culture,  the  special  require- 
ments of  each  being  given  in  the  last  column. 


CHAPTER  VIII 

THE  ONE  INSECT  AND  ONE  DISEASE 

THE  daffodil  amateur  has  a  happy  lot  in 
the  matter  of  diseases  and  insects.  No 
green  fly  to  suck  the  juices,  no  host  of  invad- 
ing bugs  to  chew  up  the  results  of  the  year's 
work;  nor  are  there  rusts  or  anthracnose  that 
must  be  sprayed  with  poisons.  The  daffodils 
flower  and  ripen  their  foliage  before  any  of 
the  everyday  pests  of  the  garden  are  awakened 
for  the  season.  And  after  that,  even,  they 
are  comparatively  safe,  for  the  bulbs  are  usu- 
ally distasteful  to  moles  and  mice,  which 
turn  to  them  only  when  all  else  fails;  and  foli- 
age nor  plants  are  not  relished  by  either 
browsing  animals  or  by  birds. 

Daffodils  may  not  be  immune,  however, 
for  the  sparrows  have  made  a  start.  In 
the  spring  of  1906,  I  noticed  for  the  first  time 
that  a  few  of  the  earliest  daffodil  flowers 
were  being  nipped  by  these  birds.  Incident- 
ally the  variety  was  Early  Bird.  Daffodil 
salad  evidently  was  not  to  their  liking, 

93 


94  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

for  the  little  pieces  torn  from  the  flow- 
ers were  found  scattered  about  nearby.  Af- 
ter tasting  the  Rowers  for  a  day  or  two,  they 
left  them  alone  for  the  rest  of  the  season. 

THE  BASAL  ROT  DISEASE 

The  one  serious  pest  of  the  daffodil  is  a 
fungous  disease,  "basal  rot,"  a  sort  of  dry  rot 
which  starts  at  the  base,  and,  working  up 
through  the  centre  of  the  bulb,  soon  destroys 
it.  To  a  casual  observer  the  exterior  of  the 
affected  bulb  (with  the  heart  and  centre  en- 
tirely eaten  away)  may  appear  to  be  in  per- 
fect condition.  A  bulb  so  infected  cannot  be 
cured  and  should  never  be  planted  for  fear 
of  spreading  the  disease. 

Before  planting  bulbs  of  varieties  that  are 
especially  liable  to  basal  rot,  they  should  be 
carefully  examined.  Press  each  bulb  firmly 
near  the  base,  between  the  thumb  and  fore- 
finger. A  really  sound,  healthy  bulb  is  firm, 
hard  and  unyielding.  On  the  other  hand,  if 
it  is  soft  and  yielding,  it  is  suspicious.  These 
soft  bulbs  should  not  be  planted  near  healthy 
stock.  If  a  pinch  higher  up  the  bulb  still 
develops  a  yielding  softness,  the  presence  of 


ONE    INSECT   AND    ONE    DISEASE          95 

basal  rot  well  advanced  is  almost  positively 
indicated.  In  such  a  case  do  not  hesitate,  take 
no  risks,  but  destroy  the  bulb  at  once;  and 
destroy  means  "burn." 

The  disease  is  favoured  by  heavy  wet  soils, 
highly  manured  soils  and  cold  seasons.  The 
remedy  is  to  replant  the  bulbs  in  drier, 
warmer,  higher  ground,  or  in  raised  and  bet- 
ter drained  beds. 

Fortunately  all  sections  of  the  family  are 
not  equally  liable  to  the  disease  and  those 
most  subject  to  basal  rot  are  the  white  trum- 
pet varieties;  it  sometimes  attacks  the  Leed- 
sii,  jonquil  and  Tazetta  groups,  but  only 
rarely  does  it  attack  any  others. 

THE   NARCISSUS   FLY 

I  am  very  glad  to  say  that  I  have  had  no 
personal  acquaintance  with  the  narcissus  fly 
(Merodon  equestris).  Indeed  it  does  not 
seem  to  have  done  much,  if  any,  damage  in 
the  United  States.  Possibly  our  winters  are 
too  cold  for  the  fly  which  hails  from  southern 
climes.  In  England  and  Holland,  however, 
this  pest  seems  to  have  become  acclimated 
and  is  doing  considerable  havoc  among  the 


96  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

daffodils,  and  we  In  America  may  not  long 
be  immune  from  its  attacks.  Having  had  no 
actual  experience  with  the  fly,  I  quote  in  sub- 
stance from  European  authorities:  Dr.  J.  R. 
Bos  of  Holland,  and  Rev.  W.  Wilks  of  Eng- 
land: 

"The  narcissus  fly — nearly  one  half  inch 
long  and  with  wings  expanded  one  inch  across 
— is  not  unlike  a  small  'bumble-bee'  though 
having  only  two  wings  and  no  sting.  It 
hovers  over  the  daffodil  plants  not  unlike  a 
humming  bird,  its  wings  moving  as  swiftly 
as  it  poses  in  one  place  for  a  minute  or  two — 
then  suddenly  it  darts  with  lightning  speed 
usually  to  the  right  or  left,  seldom  straight 
ahead — making  a  sound  between  a  shriek  and 
a  whistle,  though  of  course,  not  so  loud — yet 
great  compared  with  the  size  of  its  author.  It 
then  settles  down  among  the  daffodil  leaves 
and  lays  its  eggs  near  the  top  of  the  bulb.  It 
will  probably  lay  100  eggs  at  different  times 
during  its  season  from  May  to  July.  The  eggs 
seem  to  hatch  quickly,  the  little  grubs  finding 
their  way  in  to  the  bulb  when  their  destruc- 
tive work  commences.  There  they  live  on 
the  tissues  and  heart  of  the  bulb  until  autumn 


ONE    INSECT   AND    ONE    DISEASE          97 

when  they  eat  their  way  out  and  hibernate 
in  the  ground  in  chrysalis  form  until  spring 
when  the  fly  hatches  out  and  begins  its  annual 
cycle." 

Imported  bulbs  of  the  lower  priced  cheaper 
grades  may  be  to  some  extent  infected.  A 
blackish  spot  the  size  of  a  pin's  head  near  the 
shoulder  of  the  bulb  is  suspiciously  indicative 
that  a  grub  has  entered.  If  a  similar  and 
larger  spot  is  found  near  the  base  of  the  bulb 
your  suspicions  are  likely  to  be  well  founded, 
for  it  is  customary  for  these  grubs  to  make 
the  second  hole  as  an  outlet  for  the  frass. 

Of  course,  to  be  on  the  safe  side,  you  will 
destroy  infected  bulbs  with  their  inhabitants 
and  this  is  not  any  sacrifice,  because  only 
healthy  bulbs  will  give  perfect  flowers.  Where 
the  flies  do  appear  they  are  trapped  on  plates 
containing  thick  molasses  in  the  centre  with 
edges  smeared  with  honey  to  attract  them. 

Of  course,  there  are  some  other  minor  di- 
seases and  troubles,  but  their  total  result 
amounts  to  practically  nothing.  As  affecting 
the  gardener,  for  whom  this  book  is  written 
they  may  be  ignored,  and  so  are  dismissed 
with  this  bare  reference. 


CHAPTER  IX 

STRAIGHTENING    DAFFODIL    NOMENCLA- 
TURE AND  CLASSIFICATION 

UP  to  a  hundred  years  ago,  when  there 
were  comparatively  few  kinds  or  varieties  in 
this  now  numerous  family,  the  old  system  of 
naming — always  descriptive — answered  ad- 
mirably; but,  with  the  advent  of  numer- 
ous intermediate  types,  perhaps  combining 
the  distinctive  forms  of  both  parents,  and 
so  to  be  classed  with  neither,  something 
else  became  imperative.  The  old  name 
"Pseudo-Narcissus  albus  aureus,"  signify- 
ing the  large  yellow  trumpet  daffodil  with 
white  perianth  petals,  could  now  be  applied 
to  a  dozen  or  more  varieties,  each  one  of 
which  has  a  distinct  individuality.  After 
several  fruitless  efforts  had  been  made  to 
straighten  out  the  nomenclature  by  retaining 
the  old  Latin  names,  light  was  at  last  shed 
by  Mr.  J.  G.  Baker,  in  1869,  whose  arrange- 
ment of  the  genus  into  three  main  sub-divi- 


NOMENCLATURE CLASSIFICATION      99 

sions  stands  to-day.  These  are  respectively 
magni-coronati,  medio-coronati,  and  parvi- 
coronati,  wittily  interpreted  into  "long-nosed" 
"short-nosed"  and  "snub-nosed,"  now  com- 
monly spoken  of  as  trumpet,  cup  and  saucer. 

(Editor's  Note:  These  three  popular  terms  are  intro- 
duced as  being  entirely  logical  and  descriptive.  The  word 
"crown"  that  has  sometimes  been  used  to  indicate  the  en- 
tire medio-coronati  sub-division,  is  inadequate  since  it  is 
a  translation  of  part  of  the  Latin  designation  of  all  three 
sub-divisions.) 

Baker's  arrangement  with  a  few  modifica- 
tions received  official  approval  at  the  Daffo- 
dil Conference  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society  held  in  London  in  1884.  The  matter 
of  future  nomenclature  was  solved  by  the 
adoption  of  the  following  resolution : 

RESOLVED :  "That  in  the  opinion  of  this  conference,  uni- 
formity of  nomenclature  is  most  desirable,  and  that 
garden  varieties  of  narcissus,  whether  known  hybrids 
or  natural  seedlings,  should  be  named  or  numbered 
in  the  manner  adopted  by  florists  and  not  in  the 
manner  adopted  by  botanists." 

Under  this  ruling  all  recent  varieties  are 
given  English  names,  the  Latin  titles  being 
retained  for  the  old  species,  sub-species  and 
wild  hybrids. 

To  a  very  great  degree,  the  botanical  sub- 
divisions of  the  family  agree  with  the  garden 


IOO  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

groups  and  they  are  conveniently  considered 
in  that  light. 

The  genus  Narcissus  has  species  of  two 
distinct  types  of  foliage:  flat-leaved,  which 
characterises  the  trumpet  daffodils  as  well 
as  the  poet's  and  Tazetta  narcissus;  and  the 
rush-leaved,  which  is  found  in  jonquils,  and 
which  are  thereby  pretty  well  isolated  into 
a  distinct  garden  group. 

For  the  practical  man's  convenience,  in 
the  following  chapters,  the  garden,  or  hor- 
ticultural significance  of  the  types  and  sec- 
tions has  been  considered,  rather  than  their 
exact  botanical  sequence,  and  the  varieties 
are  listed  according  to  these  artificial  but  prac- 
tical garden  groups  as  follows: 

GROUP    I. THE    GIANT-TRUMPET    OR    AJAX 

DAFFODILS 

Embracing  all  the  one-flowered  varieties 
having  a  cyclindrical,  or  funnel-shaped  trum- 
pet at  least  three-quarters  as  long  as  the  petals, 
which  are  spread  horizontally,  or  are  inclined 
forward;  not  deflexed.  These  again  are  sub- 
divided as  follows: 


NOMENCLATURE CLASSIFICATION    IOI 


//.     Yellow    Ajax;    self    yellow    varieties    derived    from 
wild  floweFs  of  yellow  N.  Pseudo-Narcissus. 

B.  White  Ajax;  white  petals  and  white  or  sulphur  trum- 
pets; descendants  from  N.  moschatus  and  the  Pyrenean 
form,  N.  pallidus  praecox,  both  of  which  are  marked 
sub-species  of  N.  Pseudo-Narcissus. 

C.  Bicolor  Ajax;  yellow  trumpets  and  white  petals;   hy- 

brids of  the  two  preceding  groups. 


GROUP    II. THE    LESSER  TRUMPETS 

Here  are  included  two  sections,  Backhousei 
and  Humei,  both  of  which,  botanically  con- 
sidered, belong  with  the  trumpet  daffodils, 
but  for  garden  purposes  are  separated  from 
the  Ajax  group,  partly  on  account  of  size  as 
they  are  both  comparatively  smaller. 

N.  Backhousei,  hybrid  of  Ajax  and  N.  incomparabilis.  The 
trumpet  often  is  as  large  as  the  petals  and  the  crown 
itself  often  unflared,  giving  it  a  tubular  appearance. 
There  is  considerable  difficulty  in  the  exact  placing  of 
this  section,  it  being  sometimes  considered  among 
large  trumpet  daffodils  and  at  other  times  as  belonging 
to  the  intermediate,  or  medium-crowned  group  which 
is  composed  entirely  of  hybrid  forms  between  the  first 
and  third  of  Baker's  classification. 

A'.  Humei  and  its  varieties  ("Dog-Eared  Daffodils")  are 
garden  hybrids  between  N.  Pseudo-Narcissus  and  N. 
incomparabilis,  flower  drooping  and  petals  inclined 
forward.  In  other  respects  the  flowers  of  this  section 
agree  with  Group  I. 


102  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

GROUP     III.— THE     HOOP-PETTICOAT     DAFFO- 
DILS 

A  very  distinct  group,  with  conspicuous, 
wide-flaring  trumpets  and  insignificant  petals 
but  the  same  colour  as  the  trumpet;  stamens 
deflexed,  which  does  not  occur  in  any  other 
group;  leaves  rush-like. 

All  varieties  of  N.  Bulbocodium    (sometimes  spoken  of  as 
N.  Corbularia). 

GROUP     IV. CYCLAMEN-FLOWERED      DAFFO- 
DILS 

This  is  an  artificial  group,  but  is  well 
marked  from  the  horticultural  standpoint,  be- 
cause the  petals  in  the  three  sections  which 
comprise  this  group  are  reflexed.  All  have 
comparatively  large  trumpets. 

A.  N.  cydamineus;    the    yellow    cyclamen-flowered    daf- 
fodil   (sometimes   considered    to    be    a    sub-species    of 
yellow  Ajax).     Sharply  reflexed  petals,    so     that    the 
petals  and  trumpet  form  one  continuous  line;   leaves 
flat. 

B.  N.   Johnstoni;   Johnston's   cyclamen-flowered    daffodils. 

Wild  hybrids  between  an  Ajax  variety  and  the  follow- 
ing, N.  triandrus.  The  flowers  of  this  group  are 
similar  to  those  of  the  large  trumpet  varieties  with 


NOMENCLATURE CLASSIFICATION    1 03 

the  exception  of  having  reflexed  petals;  flat  leaves. 
C.    N.  triandrus;    white    cyclamen-flowered    daffodil,    or 
"Angel's  Tears";   two    or    three  flowers    to    a    stem. 
White  with  petals  well  reflexed;  flowers  small;  leaves 
rush-like. 

GROUP    V. MEDIUM-CROWNED   HYBRIDS 

This  large  group  of  cup  daffodils  is  a 
most  interesting  one  and  corresponds  practi- 
cally to  the  second  division  of  Baker's  mono- 
graph "the  medio-coronati."  In  this  we  con- 
sider seven  hybrid  groups  which  are  distin- 
guished by  the  proportionate  length  of  the 
trumpet  which  is  now  shortened  to  a  cup. 
All  are  hybrids  between  the  larger-crowned, 
or  trumpet  daffodils  and  the  smaller-crowned 
or  saucer  narcissus.  The  sections  as  here 
grouped  are  in  relation  to  the  diminishing 
size  of  the  crown  or  cup. 

A.  N.   incomparalilis ;   hybrid   between   yellow   Ajax   and 

N.  poeticus;  goblet-shaped  crown  one-third  to  three- 
quarters  the  length  of  the  petals;  colouring,  various. 

B.  N.  Nelsoni;  Nelson's  goblet-cupped,  or   "shortened  bi- 

colour" ;  garden  hybrids  between  bicolor  Ajax  and  N. 
poeticus.  White  petals;  goblet-shaped  crown  more 
than  one-half  the  length  of  the  petals. 

C.  N.  Leedsii;  Leeds'    silver-winged  star    daffodils;     hy- 
brids of    white    Ajax    and  N.  poeticus.     In    reality, 


IO4  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

white  and  sulphur  cupped  forms  of  Barrii  and  incom- 
parabilis. 

D.  N.    montanus;    the    drooping    silver-starred    narcissus; 
natural  hybrid  possibly  of  N.  moschatus  and  N,  poeti- 
cus.    Flower  drooping;  star-like  perianth,  pure  white; 
cup  white. 

E.  N.    Maclaei;   a   natural   hybrid  probably     between   bi- 

color  Ajax  and  N.  Tazetta,  aptly  described  as  "droop- 
ing baby  bicolor."  Petals  milk  white,  with  bright 
golden-yellow  crown  two-thirds  as  long  as  the  petals. 

F-  N.  Barrii;  garden  hybrids  of  various  forms ;  hybrids  of 
N,  poeticus  and  an  Ajax  variety,  while  a  cross  of  N. 
poeticus  and  N.  incomparabilis  will  yield  flowers  of 
both  Barrii  and  Burbidgei  forms.  Flowers  usually 
smaller  than  those  of  N.  incomparabilis  borne  nearly- 
erect;  cup  always  yellow  and  usually  orange-reddish 
rimmed,  wide-mouthed  and  one-fourth  to  one-third  the 
length  of  the  star-like  yellow,  or  pale  yellow  petals. 

G.  N.  Bernardi;  natural  hybrid  between  N.  abscissus  (a 
yellow  Ajax  variety)  and  N.  poeticus;  very  variable; 
flowers  with  spreading  white  petals,  twice  as  long 
as  the  yellow  cup. 

GROUP  VI. THE  POET'S   NARCISSUS 

Late  and  comparatively  late-flowered  varie- 
ties in  which  the  varieties  of  the  white-petalled 
and  fragrant  poet's  narcissus,  or  hybrids 
which  are  marked  by  their  shallow,  saucer- 
like  crowns,  are  included. 


T.   N.  poeticus  with  its  varieties.     Distinguished  by  pure 
white    petals    surrounding    a    small,    round,    flattened, 


NOMENCLATURE CLASSIFICATION    105 

saucer-like  crown,  not  more  than  one-half  the  length 
of  the  petal  and  edged  with  carmine. 

B.  N.     biflorus;  hybrid  of  N.   Tazetta  and    N.    poeticus. 
Flowers  like  N.  poeticus  in  form  and  colour,  but  with- 
out the  red  brim  to  the  cup  and  borne  in  clusters  of 
two  or  three.     This  is  Parkinson's  "primrose  peerless" 
daffodil. 

C.  N.  Burbidgei;  "dolly    cup"    narcissus;    garden  hybrid 

of  N.  incomparabills  and  N.  poeticus,  closely  resem- 
bling poeticus.  Flowers  borne  singly;  cup  about  one- 
fourth  the  length  of  the  petals,  and  a  trifle  longer 
and  not  quite  so  flat  as  in  N.  poeticus;  petals  white, 
sulphur  or  yellow.  Flowers  earlier  than  poeticus. 

D.  N.  Englehearti;   Engleheart's  flat-crowned   poet's  nar- 

cissus; hybrids  of  N.  poeticus  and  Ar.  incomparabilis, 
many  of  which  have  been  separated  from  the  Burbid- 
gei section  and  may  be  aptly  described  as  Burbidgei 
forms  with  fluted,  or  ruffled  flat  cups. 

GROUP  VII. THE    JONQUILS    AND    CAMPER- 

NELLES 

Rush-leaved,  yellow,  cluster-flowered  and 
deliciously  scented,  small-growing  species  and 
varieties  which  show  a  great  range  of  varia- 
tion in  themselves,  and  about  which  there  is 
considerable  confusion,  one  authority  (Eng- 
lish) holding  that  the  true  Campernelle  vari- 
ety has  a  flaring  cup,  and  another  (Dutch), 
equally  competent,  asserting  the  Campernelle 
has  a  spreading  cup.  It  is  in  this  manner 


106  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

stocks  are  mixed  and  nomenclature  becomes 
confused. 

A.  N.  Jonquilla;  true  sweet-scented  jonquil;   petals  three 

to  four  times  as  long  as  the  saucer-shaped  shallow 
crown;  though  usually  regarded  as  a  species,  has 
sometimes  been  supposed  to  be  a  hybrid  between  N. 
Tazetta  and  N.  gracilis;  very  variable. 

B.  N.  odorus;  Campernelle  or  giant  jonquil ;  considered  to 

be  a  hybrid  between  yellow  Ajax  and  N.  Jonquilla; 
larger  than  the  preceding,  wider  petals  and  more  up- 
right cup,  more  widely  flared. 

C.  N.  gracilis;  later  flowering  than  the  jonquil,  opening 

yellow  and  fading  with  age.  Petals  spreading  and 
imbricated.  One  to  three  flowered. 

D.  N.  juncifolius;    "baby   jonquil";      the      very     smallest 

species,  generally  bearing  three  bright  yellow  flowers, 
petals  well  imbricated,  about  twice  as  long  as  the  cup 
which  is  often  widely  expanded;  very  variable;  petals 
about  one-third  of  an  inch  long. 

GROUP   VIII. THE   TENDER,    CLUSTER-FLOW- 
ERED NARCISSUS 

Including  all  the  cluster-flowered,  flat- 
leaved  species  which  are  not  reliably  hardy  in 
the  North,  but  which  may  be  grown  outdoors 
in  the  South  and  are  excellent  for  forcing. 

A.  N.  Tazetta;  remarkably  variable;  usually  four  to  eight 
flowers;  perianth  segments  white  or  yellow,  well  im- 
bricated and  spreading  horizontally;  crown  cup- 


NOMENCLATURE CLASSIFICATION    1 07 

shaped,  relatively  small  and  generally  yellow  but 
white  in  some  forms;  popularly  known  as  the  polyan- 
thus narcissus. 

&  C.,  N.  orientalis:  N.  intermedius.  These  form  a 
sub-section  and  which  might  be  called  "intermediate, 
cluster-flowered"  narcissus.  They  are  all  natural 
hybrids  and  so  closely  resemble  the  true  Tazettas  thav 
it  is  very  difficult  to  separate  them.  More  hardy,  and 
the  leaves  of  the  N.  intermedius  group  are  more  rush-i 
like  than  those  of  the  true  Tazettas.  N.  orientalis  is 
supposed  to  be  a  hybrid  between  N.  Tazetta  and  N. 
incomparabilis.  Flat  leaves. 


GROUP        IX. HARDY         CLUSTER-FLOWERED 

NARCISSUS 

This  group  is  likely  to  grow  into  consider- 
able importance  through  the  acquisition  of  the 
new  hybrids  between  N.  poeticus  and  N. 
Tazetta. 


A.  N.  poetaz;  cluster-flowered  hybrids  of  N.  poeticus  and 

N.  Tazetta,  having  individual  flower  characters  very 
closely  resembling  the  former  one  in  colour  and  size. 
A  most  remarkable  recent  acquisition  in  the  family. 

B.  N.  tridymus;  the  long-crowned,  cluster-flowered  daffo- 

dils; hybrids  between  Ajax  and  N.  Tazetta;  individ- 
ual flowers  resemble  a  small  form  of  Nelsoni.  They 
differ  from  all  other  cluster-flowered  narcissus  in  the 
comparatively  long  crown.  ''•• 


108  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

GROUP    X. DOUBLE-FLOWERING     NARCISSUS 

AND  DAFFODILS 

Double  forms  of  species  or  varieties  from 
any  of  the  foregoing  groups. 

GROUP      XI. AUTUMN-FLOWERING      NARCIS- 
SUS 

A  few  curious  species  of  little  garden  value. 

[NOTE — A  botanical  key  to  the  species 
and  sections  of  the  genus  Narcissus  will  be 
found  in  the  Appendix,  page  220.] 

THE  NAMED  VARIETIES 

In  the  following  pages  will  be  found  de- 
scriptions of  practically  all  the  purchasable 
varieties  of  narcissus  and  daffodil,  notes  upon 
their  importance  as  garden  plants  and  ap- 
proximate prices  at  this  writing  (1907). 
Many  of  the  very  newest  seedlings  are  not 
yet  on  the  market  and  so  are  ignored,  al- 
though' some  of  them  will  no  doubt  supersede 
varieties  now  grown. 

The  catalogues  of  growers  in  Europe  and 


THE  POET'S  NARCISSUS  IN  LANDSCAPE  EFFECT 

In  conjunction  with  scenery,  especially  where  water  is  used,  the  white  poet's 

narcissus  will  give  most  happy  results.      It  prefers  a  heavy  soil 


NOMENCLATURE CLASSIFICATION    109 

America  have  been  thoroughly  searched  and 
the  synonomy  noted.  For  instance :  "Abscis- 
sus"  and  "Muticus"  represent  the  same  vari- 
ety; "Emperor"  and  "Lorifolius  Emperor" 
are  the  same;  "Golden  Spur"  and  "Spurius 
Golden  Spur"  are  the  same;  "Grandis"  and 
"Grandee"  are  the  same.  These  different 
names  for  one  variety  are  very  bothersome  to 
the  beginner,  as  I  know  by  experience. 

If  the  name  of  a  variety  be  known,  but  not 
its  class,  reference  must  be  had  to  the  index, 
where  it  will  be  found  in  alphabetical  order. 

EXPLANATION  OF  SIGNS. 

In  the  discriptions  of  narcissus  and  daffo- 
dils which  follow  various  signs  will  be  noted 
following  the  name  of  the  variety,  the  mean- 
ings, of  which  are  here  explained : 

The  letters:  A,  B,  C,  D,  E,  and  F,  indicate  the  degree 
of  earliness  or  lateness  in  flowering  in  the  open  under  ordi- 
nary weather  conditions,  the  wintry  weather  not  unduly 
extended  into  spring  to  retard  the  earlies,  nor  the  summer 
suddenly  bursting  forth  and  hastening  the  flowering  of  the 
late  varieties.  During  normal  seasons  the  difference  in  time 
of  flowering  between  the  A's  and  B's  and  C's,  etc.,  should 
be  from  a  week  to  ten  days.  We  can  not  give  the  exact 
time  that  flowers  are  due  for  all  latitudes  and  altitudes  so 
have  followed  dates  noted  in  the  author's  grounds  near 
New  York  City.  Allow  six  days  later  for  every  hundred 


I IO  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

miles  north  and  six  days  earlier  for  every  hundred  miles 
south,  on  sea  level. 

The  varieties  may  be  expected  to  flower  near  New  York 
City  as  follows: 

Those  marked  A  during  the  first  and  second  weeks  of  April. 
Those  marked  B   during  the  second   and  third   weeks  of 

April. 
Those  marked  C   during  the   third   and   fourth   weeks   of 

April. 
Those  marked  D  during  the  fourth  week  of  April  and  first 

week  of  May. 

Those  marked  E  during  the  first  and  second  weeks  of  May. 
Those  marked  F  during  the  second  and  third  weeks  of  May. 

The  season  may  be  considerably  ex- 
tended by  planting  in  special  situations  and 
by  other  cultural  conditions  (see  pages  41  and 
42)  so  that  daffodils  outdoors  may  in  fact  be 
had  for  over  three  months. 

*  Vigorous-growing,  free-blooming;  well  suited  for  natur- 
alising. 
t    Especially  adapted  for  naturalising  in  partial  shade  or 

on  slopes  facing  the  north. 

fi  For  planting  in  gardens,  herbaceous  borders,  etc., 
§  For  growing  in  pots,  etc.,  for  winter  flowers. 

In  regard  to  awards  made  to  varieties,  R.  H.  S.  stands 
for  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  and  R.  B.  S.  for  Royal  Bo- 
tanic Society,  both  of  London,  England. 


CHAPTER  X 

THE  LARGE  TRUMPET  DAFFODILS 

All  varieties,  regardless  of  size,  belong  to 
this  group,  if  they  have  a  tubular  corona  ex- 
panding trumpet-like  at  the  mouth  where  it 
must  be  as  broad  as  it  is  long;  the  trumpet 
not  be  less  than  three-quarters  the  length  of 
the  petals.  This  "large  trumpet,"  or  daffodil, 
section  is  again  sub-divided  into  three  colour 
groups,  viz:  the  "Ajax  self,"  or  all  yellow; 
the  "Ajax  bicolor,"  or  white  winged  yellow 
trumpets;  and  the  "Ajax  albino"  or  all-white 
varieties, 

ALL   YELLOW   TRUMPETS 

This  group  of  more  than  100  different 
named  varieties  has  been  developed  from  the 
wild  N.  Pseudo-Narcissus.  The  all-yellow 
trumpet  varieties  have  greater  adaptability 
to  varying  methods  of  cultivation  in  most  cli- 
mates and  soils  than  any  other  members  of  the 
family,  are  excellent  for  naturalising  and  for 
winter  forcing. 


112  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

ABSCISSUS.  Syn:  muticus.  (D.  12  in.  t$2-5°  hu-)  A 
native  of  the  French  Pyrenees.  Belongs  to  the  broad- 
leaved  lorifolius  section  and  is  one  of  the  latest  blooming 
of  all  trumpet  daffodils.  It  is  somewhat  variable  in  size 
and  form,  though  well-rogued  cultivated  strains  usually 
produce  large  flowers  with  a  much  elongated  trumpet  of 
bright  yellow  and  a  sulphur-yellow  perianth  of 
twisted  petals.  It  is  a  free  pollen  bearer  and  a  parent 
of  some  of  the  best  bi-colours.  Well  suited  for  naturalising. 
When  mingled  with  the  red-mouthed  poetious  types, 
flowering  at  the  same  time,  they  cross  freely 
and  produce  many  interesting  hybrids,  and,  according  to 
Mr.  Max  Leichtlin,  "if  we  are  to  have  scarlet  daffodils 
this  would  be  the  beginning." 

ACHILLES.  (B.  15  in.  *  $2.50  hu.)  A  native  of  Guernsey, 
very  early  and  free  flowering.  A  handsome  flower 
with  rich  yellow  trumpet  and  a  sulphury-yellow  perianth. 

ADMIRAL  MAKAROFF.  (C.  20  in.  §  fl  $5  ea.)  A  new  seed- 
ling, a  fine  large  flower  of  the  Emperor  type:  soft  yellow 
trumpet,  broad,  smooth  and  straight  with  a  wide-fluted 
nouth,  perianth  light  yellow. 

ADMIRAL  Toco.  (C.  20  in.  §fl$2  ea.)  A  handsome 
seedling  of  strong  growth  and  free-blooming  qualities. 
A  bold  flower  with  widely  expanded  golden  trumpet  and 
broad  canary-yellow  perianth:  desirable  for  pot  culture  and 
borders. 

ALIDA.  (D.  fl  500  ea.)  A  new  seedling  of  strong 
growth,  blooming  very  late.  It  produces  a  very  large, 
finely-shaped  flower  with  a  long  bright  yellow  trumpet  and 
a  toft  canary-yellow  perianth. 

ALVAREZ.  (D.  6  in.  $3  doz.)  A  new  seedling,  the 
miniature  of  Emperor.  A  sturdy  plant  of  dwarf  growth 
producing  dainty,  rich  yellow  flowers  of  much  substance. 

ARD  RICH.  Syns:  Irish  King  and  Yellow  King.  (A 
15  in.  f$i  doz.)  An  extra  early  flowering  variety,  a 
favourite  for  forcing  and  for  naturalising.  Freshly 


LARGE    TRUMPET  113 

manured  soils  rich  in  vegetable  humus  it  resents, 
thriving  best  in  a  well-drained,  coarse  loam.  Under 
congenial  conditions,  it  produces  splendid  large  flowers 
with  deep  yellow  perianths  and  large,  rich  yellow  trum- 
pets. It  is  one  of  the  earliest  of  all  large  trumpets  to 
bloom.  Annual  lifting  is  advisable  as  it  becomes  dormant 
early,  and  new  root  action  soon  begins — replanting  should 
therefore  be  done  not  later  than  September. 

BIG  BEN.  (B.  21  in.  §  ft  $2.50  ea.)  One  of  the  newer 
varieties  ranking  among  the  giant  trumpets.  The  flowers 
measure  about  five  inches  across.  Perianth  sulphur  yellow, 
trumpet  yellow.  A  flower  of  good  form  and  substance; 
a  strong  grower,  free  seeder,  and  very  valuable  for  hy- 
bridising. Awarded  certificate  of  merit  by  the  Royal 
Botanic  Society. 

CAMBRICUS.  (B.  t$i.so  doz.)  A  Welsh  Lent  lily;  an 
early  flowering  beautiful  variety;  a  favourite  for  natural- 
ising in  turf;  perianth  sulphur,  trumpet  yellow 

CAPTAIN  NELSON.  (B.  13  in.  §  ft  $2.50  doz.)  A  large 
distinct  and  handsome  early  flower  of  soft,  clear  yellow ; 
long  incurving  perianth  petals;  trumpet  of  gigantic  size, 
long  and  spreading.  A  fine  sort  for  pot  and  garden  cul- 
ture: Awarded  first-class  certificate  by  the  Royal  Horti- 
cultural Society. 

CERVANTES.  (A.  15  in.  §$1.50  doz.)  A  remarkably 
early  flowering  form  of  Princeps  which  it  resembles  in 
form.  It  is  fully  as  large  in  size  though  of  rather  a  diff- 
erent colour  being  a  uniform  pale  primrose  in  tone.  It  can 
be  flowered  by  Christmas  if  desired,  and  is  valuable  as 
an  early  market  flower. 

C.  H.  CURTIS,  (C.  18  in.  §^[$1.50  ea.)  A  magnificent 
new  variety  similar  to  Monarch  but  much  better;  a  very 
large  flower  of  model  form  with  a  bold  expanded  trumpet 
of  golden  yellow  and  a  broad  smooth  perianth  of  deep- 
primrose. 

CLEOPATRA.      (D.    §^$25    ea.)      Another    new    variety 


114  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

resembling  Monarch.  It  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most 
perfectly  formed  of  all  the  giant  yellow  trumpets.  The 
trumpet  is  long,  bold  and  of  deep  yellow:  the  perianth 
rich  yellow,  its  petals  broad  and  gathered  at  the  base. 
Like  all  the  largest  flowering  sorts  it  is  late  in  blooming. 
Especially  good  for  pots  and  borders.  Awarded  the  certi- 
ficate of  merit  from  Birmingham  and  also  from  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  of  England. 

CORONATUS.  (B.  19  in.  f$5  doz.)  An  early  flowering 
variety  with  a  broadly  expanded  trumpet  of  rich  yellow 
and  a  spreading  light  yellow  perianth  of  wide  petals.  It 
thrives  best  in  partially  shaded  situations.  First-class  certifi- 
cate, R.  H.  S. 

COUNTESS  OF  ANNESLEY.  (A.  15  in.  f  §  ^$1.50  doz.)  A 
vigorous,  extra  early  flowering  Irish  daffodil  with  a  dis- 
tinctive large  bold  flower,  trumpet  of  a  rich  golden  yellow 
well  expanded,  serrated  and  flanged:  perianth  sulphur, 
yellow,  imbricated  and  hooded.  Good  for  pot  and  border 
culture  and  useful  for  naturalising,  thriving  best  in  par- 
tial shade. 

COUNTESS  OF  DESMOND.  (B.  13  in.  f$i-25  doz.)  A  de- 
sirable early  free-flowering  dwarf  variety,  prjducing  a 
bold  flower  with  a  pale  yellow  trumpet,  well  flanged  at  the 
brim,  and  a  perianth  of  soft  primrose.  Quite  a  gem  when 
naturalised  in  the  grass. 

CROM-A-BOO.  Syn:  Crown  Frilled.  (A.  15  in.  f  500.  ea.) 
An  extra  early  flowering  daffodil,  found  wild  in  Ireland. 
The  trumpet  is  frilled  or  gathered  the  whole  length. 
Colour,  a  self  yellow.  It  thrives  best  when  naturalised  in 
partial  shade. 

DANIEL  DEWAR.  (B.  *  $1.50  doz.)  A  very  early  flower- 
ing daffodil,  varying  in  colour  from  orange-yellow  to 
cream  white,  this  variation  being  often  shown  in  one  flower. 
It  is  a  free  seeder  and  splendid  for  naturalising  in  grass. 

DEFIANCE.     (A.  21  in.  $3  ea.)    A  new  daffodil  with  light 


LARGE    TRUMPET  115 

yellow  petals,  and  a  beautifully  twisted,  large  trumpet, 
golden  yellow — well  flanged  at  the  brim. 

EARLY  BIRD.  Syn:  North  Star.  (A.  §  ff  $2  doz.)  Per- 
haps the  earliest  yellow  daffodil  in  cultivation.  It  is  ad- 
mirably adapted  for  forcing,  and  if  potted  in  September 
may  be  had  in  flower  at  Christmas.  Out  of  doors  it  blooms 
two  to  three  weeks  earlier  than  any  other  sort.  The  flower 
is  of  medium  size  and  resembles  the  Tenby  in  outline. 
The  colour  is  full  yellow,  the  perianth  perhaps  slightly 
lighter  in  shade. 

ELIZA  TURCK.  (C.  n  in.  fl  §  *  $1.50  doz.)  A  good-grow- 
ing, free-flowering  dwarf  variety,  well  suited  for  the  front 
•cf  borders  and  edgings,  for  rock  gardens  and  naturalising, 
as  well  as  for  pot  culture.  The  flowers,  of  refined  form, 
are  of  soft,  uniform  yellow. 

EMPEROR.  Syn:  Lorifolius  Emperor.  (C.  21  in.  §  ft  *  6oc. 
doz.)  A  universally  admired  variety.  It  is  one  of  the 
best  and  largest  of  the  all-yellow  daffodils,  deservedly 
popular  for  pot  culture,  forcing,  naturalising  and  for  use 
in  borders.  The  flowers,  borne  on  long  stems,  are  of  im- 
mense size,  firm  in  substance  and  of  well-balanced  form. 
The  broad  trumpet  is  rich  golden  yellow,  and  the  petals- 
broad  and  rounded — are  but  slightly  lighter  in  tone.  It  is 
a  strong,  healthy  grower  and  a  free  bloomer,  doing  its 
best  in  a  strong,  rich,  well-drained  loam. 

EXCELSIOR.  Syn:  Spurius  Excelsior.  (B.  18  in.  §  fi  *  $i 
doz.)  A  new  extra  large,  early  flowering,  variety,  similar 
to  Golden  Spur,  but  richer  in  colour,  being  a  deep  self- 
yellow  throughout ;  splendid  for  pot  culture  and  for  forcing, 
and  is  thought  to  be  the  forcing  narcissus  of  the  future. 

FRED  MOORE.  (C.  14  in.  §ff$2  ea.)  A  new  seedling; 
a  handsome  flower  of  much  substance,  with  an  immense 
deep  golden  trumpet,  well  expanded  at  the  mouth.  The 
broad  petals  are  well  formed  and  of  light  yellow.  A 
grand  variety  for  pot  culture  and  for  borders.  Award  of 
Merit,  R.  H.  S. 


Il6  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

GEORGE  PHILIP  HAYDCN.  (C.  18  in.  $125.  ea.)  A  new 
variety,  having  a  very  large,  extra  good  flower  of  splendid 
texture  and  refined  form.  Trumpet,  canary  yellow,  with 
large  open  mouth,  fluted  and  flanged ;  perianth  light  yellow, 
the  petals  being  broad  and  rounded.  A  strong  grower, 
with  wide  foliage ;  flowers  in  mid-season. 

GLORY  OF  LEIDEN.  (D.  14  in.  §  fl  $2.50  doz.)  Dubbed 
?nd  truly  "The  King  of  Daffodils."  It  is  a  giant 
seedling  resembling,  but  superior  to,  Emperor,  one  of  its 
parents.  A  strong  grower,  with  massive  flowers  of  great 
,substance,  boldly  tilting  upwards  on  strong  stems,  challeng- 
ing admiration  and  comparison  with  more  modest  semi- 
pendent  flowering  varieties.  Glory  of  Leiden,  big  and 
beautiful,  seems  conscious  of  its  superiority  in  size,  strength 
and  durability.  It  comes  unscathed  through  vicissitudes 
of  unseasonable  weather  that  dim  the  beauty  of  many  more 
delicate  sorts.  It  can  always  be  depended  upon  as  a  "show 
flower,"  and  to  be  the  surprise  and  envy  of  daffodil-loving 
visitors.  The  enormous  trumpet  is  rich  yellow,  the  petals 
broad  and  rounded,  of  lighter  shade  with  deeper  yellow 
pencilings.  For  pot  culture,  flower  beds  and  borders  it 
is  most  effective.  First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

GOLDEN  BELL.  (A.  14  in.  §H*$i  ea.)  An  extra-early 
r.nd  remarkably  free-flowering  daffodil,  with  broad,  light 
yellow  twisted  petals  and  a  large  and  prominent  trumpet, 
with  an  open  frilled  mouth.  It  is  a  tall  grower,  and  most 
adaptable  for  pot  culture,  borders  and  naturalising.  First- 
class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

GOLDEN  EAGLE.  (B.  §$1.50  doz.)  A  vigorous,  early 
'flowering,  self-coloured  variety  of  rich  yellow.  A  splendid 
forcer  and  valuable  for  market. 

GOLDEN  PLOVER.  Syn:  Golden  Princeps.  (B.  14  in.  §ff* 
75C.  doz.)  An  early  flowering  Irish  daffodil  having  a 
rich  yellow  trumpet  and  perianth.  It  is  of  the  same  habit 
and  nearly  as  early  as  Ard  Righ,  with  a  strong,  vigorous 
constitution.  Easily  forced  for  cut  flowers,  and  as  it  seeds 


LARGE    TRUMPET  1 17 

freely  is  a  desirable  variety  for  gardens  and  naturalising. 

GOLDEN  PRINCE.  (B.  16  in.  $4  doz.)  An  early  flower- 
ing daffodil  of  a  uniform  golden  yellow.  The  trumpet  is 
lobed  and  serrated  at  the  brim.  Foliage  broad  and  leek 
like. 

GOLDEN  SPUR.  Syn:  Spurius  Golden  Spur.  (A.  18  in. 
*  §  H  5°c  doz.)  A  native  of  the  Netherlands.  An  extra 
early  free-flowering  variety  that  is  a  great  favourite  with 
the  writer,  who  if  he  could  have  but  one  daffodil  would 
choose  this.  It  is  not  the  biggest,  nor  yet  the  most  beauti- 
ful, but  when  you  plant  a  dozen  bulbs  of  it  you  are  pretty 
sure  to  get  eighteen  to  twenty-four  flowers  all  large,  perfect 
and  as  richly  coloured  as  the  most  fastidious  grower  could 
desire.  Golden  Spur  has  a  vigorous  constitution,  is  easily 
forced  in  flats,  flowers  beautifully  in  pots,  and  is  perfectly 
at  home  in  the  garden  border ;  and  when  naturalised,  seeds 
freely  and  increases  correspondingly.  The  flowers  of  large 
size  have  a  spreading  megaphone-like  trumpet  with  grace- 
fully rolled  brim,  perianth  large  and  open.  The  colour,  a 
self-yellow,  is  almost  as  deep  as  that  of  maximus. 

HAMLET.  (C.  18  in.  §  ft  $1.50  ea.)  A  handsome  new 
variety  after  the  style  of  Emperor,  with  a  bold,  well-formed 
yellow  trumpet,  and  a  large  broad,  flat,  light  yellow  peri- 
anth. 

HENRY  IRVING.  Syn:  Spurius  Hy.  Irving.  (A.  18  in. 
§  ff  *  SQC  doz.)  A  native  of  the  Netherlands  and  a  fine  type 
of  spurius  major,  with  handsome  flowers  of  great  substance. 
Trumpet,  rich  golden  yellow,  wide  and  recurved  at  the 
mouth.  Perianth,  broad,  spreading  and  of  clear  yellow.  Ex- 
cellent for  forcing,  pot  culture,  growing  in  borders  and  nat- 
uralising in  grass.  It  thrives  best  in  sandy,  gritty  loam,  and 
like  all  of  the  "spurius"  class,  can  be  injured  by  kind- 
ness; that  is,  given  a  soil  too  freshly  manured. 

HER  MAJESTY.  (B.  15  in.  $1.50  doz.)  An  early  flowering 
light,  self  yellow,  expanding  trumpet,  beautifully  serrated 
at  the  brim. 


1 1 8.  DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 

HON.  MRS.  JOCELYN.  (D.  19  in.  §  H$i  ea.)  A  new  and 
but  is  a  free  producer  of  large  flowers  elegantly  formed, 
and  of  a  uniform  rich  golden  yellow;  perianth,  large  and 
winged,  the  petals  being  longer  than  the  straight  crown  or 
trumpet,  which  is  elegantly  serrated  at  the  brim.  Well 
suited  for  both  pot  and  border  cultivation. 

ISOLDE.  (D.  20  in.  §^$50  ea.)  A  new  daffodil  having 
a  handsome  large  flower  with  a  bold  campanulate  light 
yellow  perianth,  which  sometimes  measures  five  inches 
across;  trumpet  long  and  of  soft  yellow.  This  is  a  good  late 
flowering  variety  for  both  pot  and  border  culture. 

IVANHOE.  (C.  10  in.  §  fl  $1.50  ea.)  A  new  variety  of  rich 
uniform  lemon  yellow.  It  is  similar  to  John  Nelson,  but  of 
better  quality. 

JOHN  BRIGHT.  (A.  §  $2  doz.)  Of  Dutch  origin,  be- 
longing to  the  spurius  family.  It  is  of  dwarf  spreading 
rich  yellow  colour.  The  petals  incurve  towards  the  trumpet, 
of  distinct  clear  yellow.  Excellent  for  pot  culture  and 
forcing. 

JOHN  NELSON.  (C.  10  in.  §fi*$s  doz.)  A  very  dis- 
tinct late  flowering  dwarf  variety,  of  an  almost  uniform 
rich  yellow  color.  The  petals  incurve  towards  the  trumpet, 
forming  a  large  rounded  flower,  which  droops  and  nods  al- 
most to  the  surface  like  Mrs.  J.  B.  M.  Camm,  Colleen  Bawn, 
and  others  of  its  class.  For  pot  and  border  cultivation  and 
for  naturalising  it  is  especially  adapted. 

KING  ALFRED.  (B.  24  in.  §  ff  $15  ea.)  A  new 
daffodil,  perhaps  the  most  beautiful  of  all  yellow  trumpets; 
free  and  early  flowering.  The  flowers  are  not  only  of  im- 
mense size  but  are  of  noble  form  and  great  substance.  The 
trumpet  is  extra  large  and  elegantly  frilled  at  the  mouth. 
The  colour  is  a  deep  rich  maximus  yellow.  The  plant, 
which  has  bluish  green  foliage,  is  strong,  vigorous  and 
healthy,  and  grows  two  feet  high.  It  is  a  superb  variety 
for  exhibition,  pot  and  border  culture.  First-class  certifi- 


LARGE   TRUMPET  119 

cate,  R.  H.  S. ;  Award  of  Merit,  R.  B.  S.,  and  Premier  Prize 
Midland  Daffodil  Society. 

KING  HUMBERT.  Syn:  King  Umberto.  (B.  t  $2.50  hu.) 
A  wild,  early  flowering  Italian  daffodil  of  robust  growth. 
Desirable  for  naturalising  in  shaded  places,  and  also  amen- 
able to  forcing.  Trumpet  yellow,  perianth,  paler  in  colour 
with  darker  yellow  stripes  through  the  centre  of  each  petal. 

LADY  HELEN  VINCENT.  (C.  13  in.  §ff$6  ea.)  A  com- 
paratively new,  large  trumpet  variety,  with  flowers  of  re- 
fined form  and  good  substance;  blossoming  in  mid-season. 
Colour,  a  uniform,  soft  and  clear  yellow;  excellent  for  pot 
and  border  cultivation.  Award  of  Merit,  R.  H.  S. 

LADY  WILLES.  (C.  14  in.  §ff*$3  doz.)  A  handsome, 
strong-growing,  free-blooming  daffodil,  with  bold  yellow 
trumpet,  having  a  deeply  flanged  open  mouth.  Perianth 
light  yellow.  Adaptable  for  both  pot  and  garden  culture. 

LORNA  DOONE.  (B.  TS  in.  $4  ea.)  A  distinct  new  variety 
of  richest  canary  yellow.  Trumpet  long,  tube-like  and 
beautifully  fluted.  Erect  habit.  Foliage  broad,  resem- 
bling that  of  Emperor. 

LORD  ROBERTS.  (C.  23  in.  §11  $20  ea.)  A  new  giant- 
flowering  variety,  and  one  of  the  grandest  of  all  yellow 
trumpet  daffodils.  Broad  and  massive  petals  and  a  noble 
trumpet,  all  of  a  rich  uniform  golden  yellow.  A  strong, 
tall  grower  and  blooms  freely  in  mid-season.  Awarded 
first-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S.,  Midland  Daffodil  Society, 
and  Cornwall  Daffodil  Society,  etc.  • 

LORIFOLIUS.  A  section  with  broad,  flat,  massive  foliage 
best  represented  in  the  varieties  Abscissus  (Muticus),  Em- 
peror, P.  R.  Barr,  Rugilobus,  etc. 

MAJOR.  (C.  §  If*  sex:,  doz.)  The  true  Trumpet  Major 
has  a  handsome  large  flower  of  rich  golden  yellow,  nearly 
as  deep  as  Maximus.  It  is  a  mid-season  variety,  effective 
for  pot  culture;  also  for  borders  and  naturalising  where 
conditions  suit  it,  otherwise  a  shy  bloomer.  Tens  of  thou- 
sands, perhaps  millions  of  bulbs,  are  annually  sold  under 


120  DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 

the  name  of  "Trumpet  Major,"  most  of  them  for  forcing. 
To  the  best  knowledge  of  the  writer  the  majority  of  these 
are  the  following: 

MAJOR  SPURIUS.  (A.  §t$2-so  hu.),  also  known  as 
Early  Flowering  Major,  Early  Trumpet  Major,  and 
Spurius  Major,  is  in  reality  a  type  of  Single  Van 
Sion.  A  splendid  winter  forcer,  and  valuable  for  cut 
flowers.  Similar  in  form  to  the  true  Trumpet  Major,  but 
somewhat  smaller  and  lighter  in  colour.  Spurius  Major  is 
two  to  three  weeks — some  claim  four  weeks — earlier. 

MAXIMUS,  or  Trumpet  Maximus  (B.  18  in.  §  H  *  7$c.  doz.) 
is  the  recognised  peer  in  colouring  among  yellow  daffodils, 
being  intense  golden-orange  throughout.  The  icputation 
of  any  daffodil  approaching  "maximus  colour"  is  establish- 
ed. Unfortunately,  perfection  in  everything  is  never  centred 
in  any  one  individual,  animal  or  plant,  and  N.  Maximus  is 
no  exception.  While  the  flower  is  of  grand  size,  form  and 
colour,  with  an  immense,  beautifully  formed,  well-opened 
recurve-brimmed  trumpet  and  large,  gracefully  twisted 
petals,  it  has  one  fault — shy  blooming,  or  not  blooming  at 
all,  excepting  under  congenial  conditions.  Those  who  supply 
these  conditions  will  glory  in  the  result.  The  bulbs  of  N. 
Maximus  require  to  be  planted  not  less  than  five  inches 
deep  in  well-drained  (and  if  possible,  trenched)  strong 
rich  loam,  with  some  very  old  rotted  manure  below — not 
in  contact  with — the  bulbs.  The  prong-like  roots  start 
early  in  the  fall  down  deep  in  the  soil.  If  the  bulbs  can 
be  planted  in  August — and  the  roots  find  their  desired  food 
— magnificent  flowers  may  be  expected,  on  stems  two  to 
three  feet  high. 

MAXIMUS  SUPERBUS  IONGIVIRENS.  Syn:  Maximus  of  the 
Pyrenees.  (B.  18  in.  §  fl  *  $2  doz.)  The  characteristics 
of  this  variety  so  closely  resemble  those  of  the  variety  just 
described  that  the  writer  has  been  unable  to  appreciate  any 
distinguishing  differences  in  comparative  tests  covering 
several  years.  It  may  be  that  under  other  conditions  of 


LARGE    TRUMPET  121 

soil  or  climate,  Maximus-longivirens  might  prove  the  cata- 
loguers' claims  of  superiority,  viz.:  "Earlier  in  flowering, 
a  freer  bloomer  and  of  richer  orange-yellow  colouring." 
The  added  name  "longivirens"  (meaning  long-lived  foli- 
age) applies,  as  far  as  my  experience  goes,  to  both  varieties, 
the  leaves  remaining  green  a  month  longer  than  the  foliage 
of  other  varieties. 

MIKADO.  (C.  15  in.  §fl$3  ea.)  A  handsome,  large 
flowering  new  seedling  of  the  Maximus  style.  Colour,  gold- 
en-yellow. Trumpet,  very  large,  open-mouthed  and  deeply 
flanged  at  the  brim.  Petals,  gracefully  twisted.  A  mid- 
season  free-flowering  variety. 

MINOR.  Syn:  Trumpet  Minor,  Nanus  minor,  Dutch 
minor,  etc.  (A.  7  in.  f  $2.50  hu.)  This  is  the  single  form 
of  the  double-flowering  Rip  Van  Winkle.  Minor  is  a  very 
dwarf,  very  early  and  very  small  flowering  type,  a  perfect 
"baby  daffodil,"  valuable  for  edgings,  rock  work  and  for 
naturalising.  It  increases  rapidly,  thriving  best  in  shaded 
locations.  The  trumpet,  expanded  and  distinctly  lobed,  as 
well  as  the  gracefully  twisted  petals  are  of  rich  yellow. 

MINIMUS.  Syn:  Nanus  minimus.  (A.  3  in.  t  75C.  do/.) 
This  pigmy,  the  smallest  and  most  dwarfed  trumpet  daffo- 
dil known,  grows  only  three  inches  high,  producing  dainty, 
perfectly  formed  flowers,  not  exceeding  one  inch  from  tip 
to  tip  of  perianth.  The  colour  of  both  trumpet  and  perianth 
is  rich  yellow.  This  quaint  lilliputian  is  a  gem  for  edgings, 
rock  work  and  naturalising,  and  if  grown  in  a  pot,  gives 
a  most  charming  effect.  It  thrives  in  peaty  soil  or  sandy, 
gritty  loam. 

M.  J.  BERKELEY.  (B.  17  in.  §ff*$i  doz.)  A  magnifi- 
cent large  and  early  flowering  variety,  rich  yellow  colour, 
the  flower  resembling  that  of  Maximus  but  slightly 
lighter  in  tone.  The  trumpet  is  large,  well  expanded  and 
reflexed  at  the  brim;  the  petals  are  better  formed  than 
those  of  Maximus.  Popular  for  pot  and  border  cultivation 
and  naturalising. 


122  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

MONARCH.  Syn:  Golden  Giant.  (C.  20  in.  §fl$s  ea.) 
A  noble  flower,  large,  of  model  form,  good  substance,  one 
of  the  best  of  the  yellow  trumpets.  Large  trumpet  and 
perianth,  both  of  full  rich  yellow;  a  strong,  sturdy  grower, 
flowering  in  mid-season.  Superb  for  pot  and  border  cul- 
ture. 

MORNING  STAR.  (B.  $1.50  doz.)  An  early  flowering 
dwarf  variety,  with  a  deep  yellow  trumpet  and  a  pale 
yellow  perianth. 

MRS.  H.  J.  ELWES.  (B.  17  in.  $2  doz.)  Very  early 
flowering  variety  with  large  trumpet.  Entire  flower  soft, 
clear  yellow. 

NANUS.  Syn:  Nanus  Major:  Lobularis  Neerlandicus.  (A. 
6  in.  t  $1-50  doz.)  Closely  similar  to  Dutch  minor,  with 
possibly  a  trifle  larger  flower.  A  very  dwarf,  extra  early 
flowering  variety,  blooming  with  chinodoxas,  scillas  and 
crocus,  and  is  a  pretty  companion  for  such  early  flowering 
bulbs.  Yellow  trumpet  and  lighter  yellow  perianth.  In 
Ireland  it  is  popularly  called  the  Earth  Star,  "its  flowers  be- 
spangle the  earth  like  golden  stars."  It  grows  about  sir 
inches  high,  thriving  best  in  partial  shade,  and  is  a  gem 
for  naturalising  and  edgings. 

OBVALLARIS.  (A.  13  in.  t  H  §  5oc.  doz.)  The  old  "Ten- 
by"  daffodil,  long  popular  for  its  many  good  qualities.  A 
distinct  extra  early  variety  of  stiff  upright  habit.  Flow- 
ers full  rich  yellow,  the  trumpet  short  but  well  expanded, 
petals  broad  and  well  rounded.  It  forces  well,  is  excellent 
in  pots  and  thrives  when  naturalised  in  shaded  positions. 

OBVALLARIS  PALLIDUS.  Syn:  Buttercup.  (A.  12  in.  §  t 
$i  doz.)  The  pale  primrose-coloured  form  of  the  Tenby 
daffodil.  Extra  early,  a  beauty  in  pots,  and  superb  for 
naturalising  in  grass. 

OONAH.  (B.  §  f  $2  doz.)  A  very  early  flower-ing  bright 
canary-yellow  self;  a  new  seedling  with  flowers  of  lasting 
quality.  A  free  seeder. 


LARGE    TRUMPET  123 

OPHELIA.  ($1.50  ea.)  Seedling  from  Emperor.  Flowers 
neatly  hooded  and  of  refined  form.  Colour,  rich  canary 
yellow. 

OPHIR.  ($3  doz.)  A  long  barrel-shaped  trumpet  of 
rich  golden  yellow.  A  good  market  variety.  Dwarf. 

OTHELLO.  (E.  10  in.  §ff*$i.5o  ea.)  A  new  seedling 
with  a  broad  campanulate,  primrose-yellow  perianth  and 
a  rich  yellow  trumpet.  A  flower  of  good  substance.  A 
dwarf,  sturdy  grower.  Very  late. 

PHIL  MAY.  (C.  §fi$4ea.)  A  new  variety  with  large 
bold  straight  yellow  trumpet  and  paler  yellow  perianth. 
A  strong,  sturdy  grower  for  pots  and  borders,  flowering 
in  mid-season. 

P.  R.  BARR.  (D.  16  in.  §  fl  *  soc  doz.)  A  splendid  late- 
dowering  Emperor-like  variety  of  sturdy  growth  and  free- 
flowering  qualities.  The  flowers  are  of  good  form  and 
very  large.  Trumpet,  rich  yellow;  perianth,  primrose  yel- 
low. A  valuable  variety  for  anything  and  recommended 
for  flower  beds,  borders  and  for  naturalising  in  grass. 

PRINCE  GEORGE.  (C.  16  in.,  $2.50  ea.)  A  very  well- 
formed  flower,  with  a  long,  soft,  yellow  trumpet  and  a 
primrose-yellow  perianth.  Sturdy  grower. 

QUEEN  OF  HOLLAND.  ($i  ea.)  Very  large.  Both  trum- 
pet and  perianth  sulphur  yellow. 

RANGER  JOHNSON.  (D.  15  in.  §fl$s  ea.)  A  new  late- 
flowering  variety.  Flower  is  large,  of  refined  form  and 
good  substance.  Colour  a  uniform  soft  yellow.  Trumpet 
large  and  elegantly  flanged  at  the  brim. 

RAY  SMITH.  (16  in.  §  fl  soc  ea.)  A  graceful  flower 
cf  uniform  rich  yellow  colour,  the  flower  large,  of  good 
substance.  The  petals  gracefully  twisted  and  tapering. 
A  free  bloomer  and  a  strong  grower,  with  broad  deep 
glaucous  blue  foliage. 

REGINA  MARGUERITA.  (B.  7$c  doz.)  Very  early  flower- 
ing, with  a  deep  yellow  trumpet  and  lighter  perianth 
with  golden  stripes  in  the  petals. 


124  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

REV.  D.  R.  WILLIAMSON.  (§  If  $2.50  ea.)  A  new  seed- 
ling with  a  long,  handsome  rich  yellow  trumpet  and 
lighter  yellow  petals.  A  bold,  handsome  flower. 

RUGILOBUS.  Syns:  Rugilobuj  lorifolius.  Pseudo-rugilo- 
bus.  (B.  15  in.  fl*5oc  doz.)  A  most  useful  low-priced 
daffodil,  not  unlike  a  small  Emperor,  but  earlier.  A 
standard  variety  for  cutting,  the  flowers  being  of  good 
substance  and  travel  well.  Trumpet  rich  yellow,  furrowed 
or  fluted,  perianth  sulphur  yellow. 

SABRINA.  (§  ft  $50.00  ea.)  A  handsome  new  variety  with 
a  bold  stiff  pale  yellow  trumpet  well  flanged  at  the  mouth ; 
perianth  cream  colored. 

SANTA  MARIA.  (A.  14  in.  $1.50  doz.)  Very  early 
flowering,  remarkably  distinct  and  graceful.  Perianth 
charmingly  twisted,  and  of  great  substance.  Colouring 
very  deep  orange  yellow. 

SHAKESPEARE.  (C.  §  If  75C  ea.)  Bold  and  erect  with  an 
immense  deep  golden  yellow  trumpet,  the  longest  of  any 
daffodil.  Petals,  sulphur  yellow,  large  and  broad. 

SHIRLEY  HIBBERD.  (fi  soc  doz.)  Distinct  free  flowering 
with  a  much  expanded  deep  yellow  trumpet  and  perianth 
of  light  yellow.  Remains  in  bloom  for  seven  to  eight 
weeks. 

SPREAD  EAGLE.  (E.  ^$1.50  doz.)  A  magnificent  new 
variety,  very  late,  with  large  deep  rich  yellow  flowers. 
The  petals  are  gracefully  twisted:  a  flower  of  much  sub- 
stance, therefore  well  suited  for  cutting.  Strong,  vigorous 
grower  with  dark  green  foliage. 

SPRIGHTLY.  (B.  §  If  •  $3.50  doz.)  Strong  free  grower 
with  brilliant  golden-yellow  flowers  of  medium  size. 
Trumpet  open  at  the  mouth,  and  prettily  frilled.  Foliage 
deep  blue-green. 

SPURIUS.  Syns:  Single  Van  Sion  of  the  Dutch:  telamon- 
ius  of  English  Gardens.  (A.  §Ht3SC  doz.)  Very  early 
free  flowering.  Good  sized  flowers  of  soft  yellow ;  trumpet 
well  expanded;  perianth  hooded.  Very  useful  for  forcing, 


PLATE  XVI 


ALL-YELLOW  TRUMPET  DAFFODIL 

Glory  of   Leiden,  one  of  the  handsomest  of  the  large  trumpet  section  ;  all  yellow, 
rumpet  rich  yellow,  perianth  pale  yellow,  sometimes  with  deeper  yellow  markings 


LARGE    TRUMPET  125 

garden  culture,  and  naturalising.  Popular  on  account  of 
its  satisfactory  qualities  and  low  price.  There  are  several 
forms  of  spurius  resulting,  no  doubt,  from  differing  en- 
vironments and  selection.  Spurius  major  and  spurius 
major  Blondin,  spurius  excelsior,  spurius  Golden  Spur,  and 
spurius  Henry  Irving  are  improvements.  All  narcissus 
of  spurius  blood  are  impatient  of  too  rich  or  freshly  ma- 
nured soil,  and  can  be  killed  by  kindness.  They  thrive  best 
in  gritty  loam  or  turf  and  in  partial  shade. 

THOMAS  MOORE.  (B.  7sc  doz.)  A  deep  yellow  trumpet 
with  clear  yellow  perianth:  said  to  be  similar  and  better 
than  Trumpet  Major. 

TOTTENHAM  YELLOW.  (B.  §  fl  7$c  doz.)  The  outline  of 
the  flower  resembles  that  of  a  small  Maximus;  trumpet 
deep  yellow,  perianth  of  lighter  tone  the  petals  being 
gracefully  twisted,  very  early  and  fine  for  pot  culture. 

TUSCAN  BONNET.  (750  doz.)  A  pale  straw-coloured 
form  of  Princeps,  distinct  and  beautiful  flower  of  bold  out- 
line. 

VAN  WAVEREN'S  GIANT.  (C.  §^$25.  ea.)  A  magnifi- 
cent new  variety — probably  the  largest  trumpet  daffodil 
yet  introduced,  bright  yellow  trumpet  with  a  very  large 
open  mouth  flanged  at  the  brim:  perianth  light  yellow  and 
of  rather  campanulate  form,  flower  of  great  substance,  very 
tall  grower;  late. 

WILLIE  BARR.  (15  in.  §  fl  *  $3  doz.)  A  strong  growing 
daffodil  producing  perfectly  shaped  flowers  of  much  sub- 
stance: an  elegantly  brimmed  trumpet  of  deep  yellow  and 
a  campanulate  perianth  of  soft  and  clear  yellow. 

ALL  WHITE  TRUMPETS 

Descended  from  the  very  rare  wild  white 
forms  of  Pseudo-Narcissus,  particularly  the 
Pyrenean  types  moschatus  and  pallidus- 


126  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

praecox.  As  a  class  they  are  more  delicate 
in  constitution  than  their  self-yellow  and  bi- 
colour  brethren,  requiring  conditions  akin  to 
those  in  which  their  mountain-loving  ances- 
tors thrive ;  viz :  partial  shade,  in  well  under- 
drained  soil  of  gritty  loam  and  decayed  leaf 
mould.  There  are  now  fully  50  named  varie- 
ties, varying  in  colour  from  all  pure  white  to 
palest  sulphur. 

ALBICANS.  Syns:  Silver  Trumpet,  Sulphur  Trumpet, 
Dutch  Moschatus.  (B.  14  in.  §  ff  *  750  doz.)  This  is  a 
large  form  of  the  native  Spanish  moschatus  and  is  some- 
times known  as  the  Large  White  Spanish  daffodil.  A 
strong  grower.  Early  and  free  bloomer,  bearing  large 
handsome  musk-scented  flowers  with  white  perianth  and 
a  long  trumpet  prettily  recurved  at  the  brim.  It  opens 
straw  colour  but  soon  changes  to  white. 

ALICE  KNIGHTS.  (A.  12  in.  §H$8  ea.)  A  new  variety 
and  the  earliest  of  all  white  trumpets.  Good  substance, 
lasting  well  whether  cut  or  on  the  plant.  Perianth  white, 
trumpet  cream  white  of  elegant  form  with  an  open  mouth 
prettily  filled.  Good  constitution  and  a  free  bloomer. 
Award  of  Merit,  R.  H.  S. 

APRICOT.  (C.  16  in.  §  H  75C  ea.)  A  new  and  remarkably 
beautiful  variety  with  a  colouring  heretofore  unknown 
among  narcissus,  the  long  straight  trumpet  being  of  a  rosy 
apricot  hue,  though  opening  creamy  buff  in  strong  con- 
trast to  the  pure  white  perianth.  The  flower  is  of  good 
size  and  form.  Delightfully  fragrant.  Plant  healthy, 
vigorous.  Several  certificates  and  awards  of  merit  are  to 
its  credit. 


LARGE    TRUMPET 


I27 


ATALANTA.  ($100  ea.)  A  new  seedling  with 
broad  snow  white  perianth  petals  and  a  long,  pure  white 
bell-shaped  trumpet. 

AVALANCHE.  ($150.  ea.)  A  very  elegant  new  seedling 
with  broad  petals  of  pure  white,  curving  towards  the 
trumpet  which  is  long  and  straight  and  also  of  pure  white. 

CECILIA  DE  GRAAFF.  (D.  20  in.  $i  ea.)  A  new  seedling 
cf  interesting  form.  The  medium-sized  flower  has  an 
elegantly  spreading  channelled  trumpet  recurved  at  the 
brim.  Colour,  creamy- white ;  the  perianth  is  also  creamy- 
white  with  a  yellowish  line  running  through  each  petal. 

CERNUUS.  (A.  t  H  $*  doz.)  The  Silvery  Swan's  Neck 
daffodil,  so  called  from  the  graceful  poise  of  the  pendent 
flower.  Very  distinct.  Early  flowering.  Perianth  silvery 
white,  trumpet  cream  white  passing  to  white.  The  petals 
and  trumpet  are  of  the  same  length.  Best  when  grown 
in  shade. 

CERNUUS  PULCHER.  (B.  16  in.  §  If  $2.50  doz.)  The 
large  Silver  White  Swan's  Neck  daffodil.  A  somewhat 
larger  form  of  the  preceding  and  a  little  later  in  flower- 
ing, but  classed  among  the  earlies.  The  gracefully  droop- 
ing flower  composed  of  broad  and  spreading  petals  of  pure 
white  and  a  long,  expanding  trumpet  opening  primrose 
but  changing  to  silvery  white.  A  strong  grower. 

COLLEEN  BAWN.  (A.  15  in.  §  fit $4  doz.)  A  gem  among 
white  daffodils,  silvery-white  drooping,  nodding  flowers. 
Gracefully  twisted  petals.  Best  when  grown  in  shade 
and  grass. 

CORA  PLEMP.  ($1.25  ea.)  A  new  seedling  with  white 
flowers  of  light  primrose  colour,  passing  to  white. 

C.  W.  COWAN.  (C.  16  in.  §  If  $1.50  doz.)  A  distinct 
short,  thick  set  albino.  An  elegant  flower  with  while  peri- 
anth and  a  sulphur  trumpet  passing  to  white.  A  strong 
grower  and  free  bloomer. 

DUCHESS  OF  CONNAUGHT.     (B.  n  in.  7$c  doz.)     A  neat 


128  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

habited  plant  well  suited  for  small  beds,  etc. — bearing 
dainty  flowers  of  light  primrose  colour,  passing  to  white. 

DUCHESS  OF  NORMANDY.  (B.  §H  $3  ea.)  A  new  early 
variety  with  a  long  white  beautifully  ribbed  trumpet, 
mouth  open  and  flanged.  Petals  of  white,  fairly  broad, 
slightly  shouldered,  and  twisting.  Delicately  scented. 

DR.  HOGG.  ($3  ea.)  Perianth  white;  trumpet  sulphur 
passing  to  white.  First-class  certificate. 

EXQUISITE.  ($i  ea.)  A  tall-growing,  early-flowering 
albino  with  sulphur  white  petals,  and  a  primrose  trumpet 
maturing  white. 

F.  W.  BURBIDGE.  ($i  doz.)  Strong  and  vigorous,  with 
an  elegantly  serrated  long  trumpet  of  sulphur  passing  to 
white  and  a  white  perianth. 

GRACE  DARLING.  (B.  20  in.  §fi$i  ea.)  A  strong-grow- 
ing, free-flowering  new  seedling  of  great  beauty:  the  petals 
of  pure  white  are  gracefully  twisting  and  overlap  the 
elegant  trumpet  of  light  sulphur  maturing  white. 

HATFIELD  BEAUTY.  (C.  21  in.  $15  ea.)  A  bold  and 
showy  new  variety  with  creamy-white  perianth  and  a  light 
canary  trumpet  well  expanded  and  flanged  at  the  mouth. 

HENRI  VILMORIN.  (C.  13  in.  §  ft $125.  ea.)  A  magnifi- 
cent new  white  daffodil  that  scores  high  on  all  points.  Re- 
fined texture  and  form,  the  perianth  of  Empress  shape 
spreading  4^  inches  across:  the  trumpet  is  long  and  of 
good  substance.  Award  of  Merit,  R.  H.  S. 

JENNY  WOODHOUSE.  ($3  doz.)  Best  described  as  a 
white  obvallaris  or  Tenby  daffodil.  Trumpet  beautifully 
imbricated  and  flanged.  A  free  seeder.  A  small  shapely 
daffodil  for  the  buttonhole. 

LADY  AUDREY.  (D.  §^$25  ea.)  A  new  late-flowering 
variety  of  great  beauty;  perianth  white,  slightly  cam- 
panulate  and  a  straight,  bold  creamy-white  trumpet  widen- 
ing at  the  mouth.  Award  of  Merit,  Birmingham. 

LADY  OF  THE  SNOWS.  (D.  $125  ea.)  A  large  and 
beautiful  new  seedling  with  a  broadly  rounded  white 


LARGE    TRUMPET  129 

perianth — and  a  well-formed,  white  trumpet  well-frilled 
at  the  brim. 

LADY  GROSVENOR.  (750  doz.)  White  perianth  and  sul- 
phur white  trumpet. 

LADY  SOMERSET.  (C.  12  in.  §H$2  ea.)  A  new  seedling 
of  strong  growth  with  long-stemmed  pure  white  flowers. 
Petals  long  and  gracefully  twisting;  trumpet  very  long. 

LADY  SYBIL.  (A.  n  in.  fl*$i  ea.)  A  new  variety  with 
flowers  of  medium  size  and  of  uniform  pale  sulphur  colour. 
The  open-mouthed  short  trumpet  is  prettily  flanged. 

L'INNOCENCE.  (C.  20  in.  $i  ea.)  A  magnificent  daffo- 
dil with  purest  white  perianth,  and  broad  straight  trumpet 
of  sulphur  passing  to  white. 

LISMORE.  (B.  15  in.  §1f  $3  ea.)  Strong  constitution. 
Perianth  white  with  a  faint  suggestion  of  green.  Trumpet 
sulphur  white.  First  prize  at  Truro. 

LOVELINESS.  (D.  14  in.  §  If  $125  ea.)  A  new  and  highly 
recommended  seedling,  producing  very  large  flowers. 
Petals  broad,  smooth,  stiff  and  snowy  white.  Trumpet  of 
elegant  form  well  expanding  to  the  mouth  and  also  white. 
Award  of  Merit  at  Birmingham  and  also  at  Truro. 

MADAME  DE  GRAAFF.  (D.  16  in.  §  fl  $7.50  doz.)  This 
magnificent  seedling  ranks  front  of  all  white  daffodils. 
The  flowers,  while  unusually  large  for  an  albino,  are  of 
splendid  substance  and  unsurpassed  in  grace  of  carriage 
and  elegance  of  form.  The  fully  expanded  flower  is 
pure  white,  though  in  opening  the  trumpet  usually  shows 
a  tinge  of  sulphur.  A  strong  grower,  free  bloomer,  and 
equally  well  suited  for  pot  or  garden  culture.  First- 
class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

MARCHIONESS  OF  LORNE.  (B.  12  in.  ff*$i  doz.)  Not 
unlike  Princess  Ida,  perianth  sulphur  white,  trumpet  prim- 
rose and  elegantly  recurved. 

MATSON  VINCENT.  (D.  14  in.  §ff$2.so  doz.)  Strong- 
growing,  late-flowering,  with  a  neat,  small,  pure  white 
flower,  the  trumpet  being  well  expanded  and  lobed. 


130  DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 

MOSCHATUS.  (A.  6  in.  t$4  hu.)  A  wild  sub-species  of 
N.  Pseudo-Narcissus  found  in  the  Pyrenees  and  especially 
plentiful  in  places  on  the  Spanish  side  of  these  mountains. 
It  varies  in  size,  form  and  colour  accordingly  as  influenced 
by  natural  hybridisation  when  growing  in  proximity  to 
other  native  types.  In  its  purest  form  it  is  of  dwarf  habit 
with  rather  small  flowers.  The  whitest  of  all  trumpet 
daffodils  when  fully  open,  but  of  a  sulphur  tinge  in  the 
bud  and  expanding  stages.  It  is  very  early  in  flowering 
and,  like  most  wild  types,  quite  at  home  when  naturalised; 
a  grassy  slope  facing  north  being  especially  congenial.  In 
cultivation  many  selections  have  been  made  from  "mos- 
chatus"  which  are  catalogued  under  various  names  as 
albicans,  moschatus  of  Haworth,  etc.,  and  it  is  the  opinion 
of  the  writer  that  many  if  not  all  varieties  of  the  so-called 
white  trumpet  daffodils  owe  their  varying  degrees  of 
trumpet  whiteness,  directly  or  indirectly,  to  the  predomi- 
nance of  moschatus  blood. 

MOSCHATUS  OF  HAWORTH.  (A.  6  in.  1 75c  doz.)  A 
charming  dwarf  small-flowering  variety,  a  selection  from 
the  preceding  with  charming,  purest  white  flowers.  A  gem 
for  naturalising. 

MRS.  J.  BELL  CAMM.  (D.  12  in.  *$2  doz.)  An  exceed- 
ingly handsome  late  variety  of  vigorous  growth,  produc- 
ing large  flowers  that  nod  to  the  ground.  Lasting  well 
when  cut.  Perianth  white,  the  trumpet  sulphur  white. 
First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S.  (Do  not  confound  this,  as 
the  writer  did  at  first,  with  Mr.  J.  Bell  Camm,  the  bi- 
colour.) 

MRS.  BETTRIDGE.  (C.  12  in.  $15  ea.)  Very  large  flower 
with  white,  prettily  twisted  petals  and  cream-coloured 
trumpet,  well  expanded,  fluted,  and  flanged  at  the  brim. 

MRS.  BURBIDGE.  A  vigorous  grower  with  large  flower, 
opening  sulphur  but  passing  to  white. 

MRS.  GEO.  H.  BARR.  (D.  §ff$i2S  ea.)  A  very  lovely 
new  white  daffodil  of  exquisite  form:  petals  slightly  curv- 


LARGE    TRUMPET  131 

ing  towards  the  well-formed  open-mouthed  trumpet. 
Award  of  Merit,  Birmingham. 

MRS.  THOMPSON.  (B.  14  in.  §fl*$i  doz.)  A  hand- 
some extra  early  strong  grower  of  good  shape  and  sub- 
stance and  a  free  bloomer.  Flowers  large  and  pure  white, 
the  trumpet  being  elegantly  frilled.  One  of  the  earliest  of 
the  moschatus  section. 

MRS.  VINCENT.  (D.  12  in.  §  ^$2.50  ea.)  A  :are  beauty 
of  perfect  form  and  of  great  substance.  Perianth  and 
trumpet  pure  white.  Good  grower  but  late. 

PALLIDUS  PRAECOX.  (A.  12  in.  t  6oc  doz.)  The  earliest 
of  all  white  trumpet  daffodils  and  very  popular.  Varies 
slightly  in  form  and  colouring,  but  usually  the  perianth 
is  pure  white  and  the  trumpet  pale  straw  colour.  When 
grown  in  partial  shade  it  comes  pure  white.  Natural- 
ised on  moist  grassy  slopes  facing  north  it  is  perfection. 
Avoid  manure. 

PETER  BARR.  (C.  16  in.  §t$2SQ  ea.)  All  reports  indi- 
cate that  this  is  the  most  beautiful  white  trumpet  daffodil 
yet  raised.  The  writer  has  not  grown  it  nor  seen  it.  It  is 
likely  that  in  a  few  years  the  increase  will  be  such  that 
the  price  will  fall  within  the  reach  of  ordinary  people. 

The  English  "Gardeners'  Chronicle's"  description  in  sub- 
stance is  as  follows:  "PETER  BARR  is  not  the  only  white 
Ajax  or  large  trumpet  variety  that  has  been  raised,  but  it 

is  certainly  the  best  and  much  the  best In  colour  the 

flower  is  described  as  white,  but  it  must  be  understood  that 
by  this  is  not  meant  the  pure  white  which  is  seen  in  Nar- 
cissus poeticus.  No  trumpet  daffodil  is  yet  so  pure,  but 
Peter  Barr  is  the  very  palest  sulphur-white,  the  perianth 
being  a  shade  purer  than  the  trumpet.  It  is  said  to  have 
been  raised  from  Monarch  and  Madame  De  Graaff,  and 
will  be  a  fitting  memorial  to  a  man  whose  life  has  been 
spent  in  developing  and  popularising  the  daffodil." 

The  raiser's  description  reads  thus:  "The  finest  white 
trumpet  daffodil  yet  raised.  It  is  of  distinct  and  elegant  form 


132  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

having  a  beautiful  pure  white  shouldered  perianth  and 
a  large  handsome  trumpet  almost  pure  white.  The  flower 
is  large  and  bold — of  beautiful  symmetry  and  fine  sub- 
stance. It  is  a  strong  grower  and  a  free  bloomer  with 
handsome  deep  bluish  green  foliage.  First-class  certifi- 
cate, R.  H.  S. 

PRINCESS  IDA.  (B.  14  in.  §  If  $2  doz.)  A  distinct  strong- 
growing  free-blooming  early  white  variety  with  a  silvery 
trumpet  edged  at  the  brim  with  yellow.  A  good  grower 
and  charming  in  pots. 

ROWENA.  (B.  13  in.  §fl$3  doz.)  A  new  robust  free- 
blooming  seedling  with  spreading  star-like  petals  of  snowy 
white  and  a  large  trumpet,  silvery-white  flushed  peach, 
expanding  to  the  brim. 

SIR  STAFFORD  NORTHCOTE.  (B.  15  in.  ff*$i.5o  doz.)  A 
strong-growing  free-blooming  early  variety  with  a  silvery- 
white  perianth  and  a  long  pale  sulphur  trumpet.  Good 
for  naturalising  and  for  borders. 

SNOWFLAKE.  (B.  14  in.  §fl$4  doz.)  Early  flowering 
strong-growing  with  distinct  and  handsome  flowers  holding 
their  heads  well  up.  Perianth  white,  trumpet  soft  apricot 
passing  off  white.  Certificate  of  Merit,  R.  H.  S. 

SULPHUR  KING.  (C.  12  in.  §H  $2  ea.)  New  seedling 
producing  in  mid-season  a  well-formed  flower  of  good 
substance.  Perianth  pale  sulphur,  long  trumpet  of  soft 
sulphur  yellow. 

TORTUOSUS.  (A.  15  in.  §flf$2.50  doz.)  A  popular, 
vigorous,  extra  early  flowering  form  often  called  "The 
Swan's  Neck  Daffodil"  from  the  graceful  pendent  poise  of 
the  flowers.  Selections  have  been  catalogued  under  the 
names  of  Leda,  Sarnian  Belle,  etc.,  but  any  distinctiveness 
claimed  for  these  has  apparently  merged  back  to  the  type 
until  their  "variety  names"  have  become  merely  synonyms. 
All,  in  fact,  belong  to  the  variable  moschatus  group. 
Tortuosus  being  distinguished  by  its  long  trumpet  of  pale 


LARGE    TRUMPET  133 

sulphur  and  gracefully  twisted  petals  of  pure  white.  The 
flowers  are  delightfully  musk  scented. 

WILLIAM  COLORING.  (C.  16  in.  §  fl  f  $i  doz.)  A  droop- 
ing Swan's  Neck  daffodil  of  good  constitution,  with  long 
tapering  petals  of  pure  white,  gracefully  curving  over  the 
primrose  tinged  white  trumpet. 

W.  P.  MILNER.  Syns:  Minnie  Warren,  nanus  albus.  (B. 
ii  in.  §fl*$i.25  doz.)  Dwarf,  of  good  constitution,  es- 
pecially effective  for  small  beds,  edgings,  naturalising  in 
grass  and  a  lovely  thing  to  plant  permanently  in  rock 
work.  The  dainty  little  flowers  of  cowslip  fragrance  are 
freely  produced ;  creamy-white  out  of  doors  but  pure  white 
when  grown  inside.  It  seeds  freely. 

TWO-COLORED     TRUMPETS WHITE     WINGED 

OR  BI-COLOUR 

Hybrids  between  the  all-yellow  and  the 
all-white  trumpet  daffodils.  They  have 
"white  wings,"  or  petals,  and  yellow  trum- 
pets. Healthy  vigorous  growers,  thriving 
in  the  garden  border,  in  pots,  or  naturalised. 

ADA  BROOKE.  (D.  15  in.  §  H  500  doz.)  A  late  free 
blooming  variety  flowering  after  Empress  and  before  Gran- 
dis.  Trumpet  orange  yellow,  perianth  creamy-white.  A 
strong  grower  and  valuable  for  cutting. 

BICOLOR.  ($1.50  doz.)  The  type,  dwarf  and  late  flower- 
ing. Rich  yellow  trumpet  and  broad  pure  white  petals. 

BICOLOR  OF  HAWORTH.  (E.  13  in.  t  $1-50  doz.)  Con- 
taining abscissus  blood — and  like  the  latter — among  the 
latest  to  bloom.  The  flowers  last  into  June  if  grown  in 
partial  shade.  Trumpet  rich  yellow,  perianth  pure  white. 
In  outline  the  flowers  resemble  the  elegantly  formed  earlier 
flowering  Horsfieldi. 


134  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

BREVIFLOS.  ($2.50  hu.)  Neat  habit,  small,  early  to  bloom. 
Increases  rapidly.  Golden  yellow  trumpet  and  sulphury- 
white  perianth. 

CABECEIRAS.  (C.  15  in.  t$3  hu.)  A  Spanish  daf- 
fodil, showy  and  handsome,  with  large  rich  yellow 
trumpet  frilled  at  the  brim,  and  a  white  perianth  shading 
to  primrose  at  the  base. 

CALPURNIA.  (D.  15  in.  §^$25  ea.)  A  long  straight 
trumpet  of  soft  primrose  yellow  and  bell-formed  perianth 
of  white.  New. 

CAMEOENS.  Syn:  Lusitanica.  ($3  doz.)  An  early 
peculiarly  formed  and  distinct  bi-colour  from  Portugal ; 
yellow  trumpet  and  sulphur-white  perianth. 

CYGNET.  (D.  §1f$ioo  ea.)  New,  and  a  beauty,  long 
bold  trumpet  of  canary-yellow.  Elegantly  reflexed  at  the 
mouth.  Petals  white,  bold,  broad  and  gracefully  twisted. 
Award  of  Merit,  R.  H.  S.  and  Birmingham. 

DAINTY  MAID.  ($1.50  ea.)  A  very  dwarf  new  bi-colour 
of  handsome  form. 

DEAN  HERBERT.  Syn:  primulinus.  (D.  18  in.  $1.50  doz.) 
Of  distinct,  stiff,  erect  habit;  vigorous  grower.  Trump- 
et large,  rich  yellow;  perianth  primrose  changing  to  sul- 
phur white. 

DUKE  OF  BEDFORD.  (B.  22  in.  §fl$io  ea.)  Exception- 
ally large  flowers  measuring  tf/2  inches  from  tip  to  tip  of 
the  pure  white  perianth,  with  a  great  broad  trumpet  of 
clear  soft  yellow  measuring  2^4  inches  across  at  the  mouth: 
a  flower  of  splendid  proportions,  form  and  substance.  It 
flowers  early,  opening  even  before  Horsfieldi  and  has  a 
pleasing  fragrance.  First-class  certificates,  Birmingham, 
Manchester,  Edinburgh. 

EMPRESS.  (C.  20  in.  §fi*6oc  doz.)  This  and  Hors- 
fieldi rank  among  the  high-class  bicolors,  both  being  free, 
early  and  reliable  producers  of  large  well-formed  flowers 
of  good  substance.  They  thrive  under  most  conditions 
where  any  sort  of  daffodil  can  be  expected  to  grow— in 


LARGE    TRUMPET  135 

garden  borders,  naturalised  in  grass,  in  pots,  bowls  of  moss 
and  water,  or  forced  in  flats  for  cut  flowers  in  winter. 
These  many  merits  in  conjunction  with  the  reasonable  price 
of  their  bulbs  render  both  sorts  most  popular.  Empress 
resembles  Horsfieldi  closely,  is  a  little  later  in  blooming, 
perhaps,  a  little  more  stiff  and  robust  in  growth  with  not 
quite  as  white  perianth  petals — and  a  rich  yellow  trumpet. 

E.  T.  COOK.  (14  in.  $30  ea.)  New.  Broad,  bold  peri- 
anth of  white  and  a  rich  chrome-yellow  trumpet. 

GRANDEE.  Syns:  bicolor  maximus,  grandis.  (E.  12  in. 
§ff*4oc.  doz.)  Late  flowering;  excellent  for  succession, 
blooming  nearly  two  weeks  after  Empress  and  Horsfieldi. 
It  is  of  rather  dwarf  growth,  sturdy  and  robust,  with  broad 
foliage.  The  flowers  are  beautifully  formed,  massive  and 
of  splendid  substance.  Trumpet  large,  and  long,  of  rich 
yellow.  Perianth  wide,  round  petalled  and  pure  white. 
Planted  in  shade,  it  flowers  in  May.  Good  cut  flower. 

GWENDOLEN.  ($125  ea.)  A  new  bi-colour  trumpet  of 
large  and  noble  form,  white  perianth  petals  and  a  long, 
straight  light  canary-yellow  trumpet. 

HORSFIELDI.  (B.  14  in.  §  If  *  soc.  doz.)  It  is  a  pity  that 
this  grand  and  popular  daffodil  could  not  be  popularly 
known  as  John  Horsfield  in  veneration  of  the  narcissus 
enthusiast — a  modest  Scotch  shoemaker — who  produced  it. 
It  is  very  early  flowering,  very  free,  splendid  for  forcing, 
and  showy  in  beds  and  borders.  The  large  flowers  have 
a  rich  yellow  trumpet  and  a  broad  petalled,  well  expanded 
perianth  of  pure  white.  Unfortunately,  in  the  later  years 
of  its  life  it  is  getting  weaker  in  constitution,  and  in  some 
places  is  now  becoming  diseased. 

HULDA.  (C.  18  in.  $25  ea.)  New  and  remarkably  hand- 
some. Large  and  broad  petals  of  pure  white  and  measur- 
ing four  inches  across,  large  trumpet  of  pale  yellow.  A 
flower  of  great  substance. 

IONE.  Trumpet  rich  yellow,  well  expanded  and  beauti- 
fully flanged.  Perianth  imbricated  and  straw-yellow. 


136  DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 

ISOLDE.  (D.  20  in.  $75  ea.)  A  handsome,  large,  new 
variety,  five  inches  from  tip  to  tip  of  petals,  the  latter  of 
cream  colour.  Trumpet  long,  and  of  soft  canary.  Award 
of  Merit,  R.  B.  S. 

J.  B.  M.  CAMM.  Syn:  Mr.  J.  Bell  Camm.  (C.  12  in. 
§fi$2  doz.)  A  distinct  dwarf,  but  strong-growing  va- 
riety, almost  pure  white,  but  classed  as  a  bi-colour.  The 
flowers,  in  symmetry  of  form,  are  perfection,  and  the  chaste 
colouring,  pure  white  perianth  and  creamy-yellow  trumpet 
combine  in  causing  this  variety  to  be  known  as  "The  new 
queen  of  daffodils."  First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

JOHN  DAVIDSON.  (C.  12  in.  §fl$5  doz.)  Strong- 
growing,  large-flowering;  bearing  a  beautifully  formed 
flower.  Trumpet  of  clear  yellow,  widely  opened  at  the 
mouth  and  prettily  frilled.  Perianth  large  and  broad, 
creamy-white. 

LENA.  ($1.50  doz.)  Long,  yellow  trumpet  of  the  best 
form.  Primrose  perianth. 

LOBULARIS.  (A.  7  in.  f  3°c.  doz.)  This  native  of  the 
Netherlands  is  also  known  as  Dutch  nanus.  Dwarf  and 
lovely  for  edgings  and  naturalising  in  grass.  Trumpet, 
yellow;  perianth,  sulphur  white. 

MADAME  PLEMP.  (D.  16  in.  §  fl  $2.50  doz.)  A  new  late- 
flowering  variety  of  strong  growth,  producing  very  large, 
bold,  well-formed  flowers  of  great  substance.  Trumpet  of 
immense  size  and  of  rich  golden-yellow;  perianth,  white, 
the  petals  being  large  and  twisting  gracefully;  one  of  the 
finest  of  daffodils  as  a  garden  plant.  Floral  certificate  at 
Daffodil  Conference. 

MAW'S  BICOLOR.  (A.  f$2.so  hu.)  An  interesting  but 
confused  form  about  which  much  has  been  said  which  was 
true  but  proved  untrue,  and  vice-versa.  This  paradoxical 
statement  is  explained  when  we  understand  that  Mr.  Maw's 
bicolor,  "discovered"  by  him  in  the  Pyrenees,  was  in  re- 
ality "selected"  by  him.  The  individuals  selected  being 
everything  claimed  for  them:  superior  in  constitution,  in 


LARGE    TRUMPET  137 

earliness,  in  substance,  with  large  golden-yellow  trum- 
pets, fine  white  perianths,  etc.  Some  of  the  progeny  of 
these  "individuals"  proved  so  fine  that  they  were  re-named 
nobilis,  and  others  fell  so  low  in  the  scale  of  merit  that  they 
were  named  variformis,  and  others  again  could  have  been 
correctly  named  van-coloured.  The  fact  is  that  Mr. 
Maw's  selections  belong  to  a  large  variable  family,  indi- 
genous in  many  mountainous  sections  of  Southern  Europe; 
those  near  abscissus  being  the  most  varied.  The  writer 
once  planted  100  bulbs  of  Maw's  bicolor  with  surprising 
results:  flowers  of  all  shapes  and  colours  were  produced, 
bi-colours,  all  yellows  and  exquisite  albinos.  Some  sur- 
passed the  cataloguer's  description,  but  many  fell  short. 
This  type  increases  rapidly,  and  like  many  native  sorts  is 
especially  suited  for  naturalising.  Thrives  best  in  gritty 
loam. 

MICHAEL  FOSTER.  (C.  13  in.  §^$1.50  doz.)  A  large 
and  distinct  thick-set  flower  of  good  quality:  trumpet 
rich  yellow,  perianth  sulphur  white.  First-class  certificate. 

MRS.  BUCHANAN.  ($8  ea.)  New;  distinct  and  delicate 
shade.  Petals,  slightly  twisted  and  cream  white ;  trumpet, 
primrose-yellow,  with  nicely  flanged  open  mouth. 

MRS.  C.  W.  EARLE.  (E.  14  in.  §fl$s  ea.)  A  new 
seedling,  bearing  flowers  of  great  beauty,  with  broad,  pure 
white  petals,  and  elegantly  shaped  trumpet  of  citron- 
yellow. 

MRS.  MORLAND  CROSFIELD.  (B.  19  in.  §  fl  $3  ea.)  A 
magnificent  new  variety,  blooming  as  early  as  or  earlier 
than  Horsfieldi.  A  large,  showy  and  beautiful  flower  with 
long,  bold,  clear  yellow  trumpet  and  large,  pure  white 
petals. 

MRS.  WALTER  T.  WARE.  (C.  16  in.  §  If  $1.50  doz.) 
Healthy,  strong  growing,  very  free  flowering  and 
early.  Flower  of  perfect  shape,  with  large  white  perianth 
and  a  well  expanded  golden-yellow  trumpet.  Beautifully 
recurved  and  frilled  at  the  brim.  Where  Horsfieldi  does 


138  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

not  thrive  this  should  be  used  in  its  place.  Award  of 
Merit,  R.  B.  S. 

ORIANA.  (C.  18  in.  §11  $3  ea.)  New;  perianth  white, 
trumpet  short  and  broad  of  soft  canary-yellow. 

OSIRIS.  (D.  $100  ea.)  A  large,  late-flowering  new 
variety,  with  a  bold,  handsome,  canary-yellow  trumpet,  well 
expanded  at  the  mouth  and  elegantly  crinkled ;  broad  petals 
of  creamy-white. 

PHARAOH.  (D.  $100  ea.)  A  new,  very  large-flowered 
seedling,  with  creamy-white  petals  and  a  large,  broadly- 
expanded  trumpet  of  canary-yellow.  Award  of  Merit  at 
Birmingham. 

PORTIA.  (B.  12  in.  ft  *  soc.  doz.)  Dwarf,  early  and  very 
free-blooming,  closely  allied  to  Michael  Foster.  Trumpet, 
yellow;  perianth,  soft  primrose.  Good  substance. 

PRINCE  COLOBRI.  ($i  ea.)  A  new  seedling  of  very 
dwarf  habit.  Trumpet,  deep  yellow ;  perianth,  white. 

PRINCEPS.  (A.  15  in.  §fl*$2  hu.)  A  very  good, 
free,  early-flowering  variety;  very  popular  for  cut  flowers, 
forcing  and  naturalising  on  account  of  its  low  price; 
flower  of  good  size  though  lacking  in  form  and  substance. 
Perianth,  light  sulphur;  trumpet,  yellow. 

PRINCEPS  MAXIMUS.  Syns:  Giant  Princeps,  Don  Quixote. 
(A.  15  in.  §  H  *  $2.50  hu.)  A  selection  from  the  preceding 
and  said  to  be  a  little  bigger — but  so  little  that  were  the 
labels  removed  no  one  would  notice  the  difference. 

PROSERPINE.  (B.  13  in.  t$i-25  doz.)  A  very  pretty 
free-flowering  native  Spanish  daffodil,  resembling  "cabe- 
ciras,"  but  larger  and  earlier,  with  gracefully  twisted  petals 
of  pure  white,  and  a  bold  golden  trumpet  with  an  open 
spreading  mouth. 

PSEUDO-NARCISSUS.  (B.  9  in.  t$i.so  hu.)  A  species  in- 
digenous to  several  sections  of  Southwestern  Europe  and 
England.  In  the  latter  country  it  has  long  been  popu- 
larly known  as  the  "Garland  Flower,"  and  also  as  the 
"English  Lent  Lily."  Like  most  native  daffodils  it  is  es- 


LARGE    TRUMPET  139 

pecially  suited  for  naturalising.  It  varies  considerably  in 
form  and  colouring,  but  the  commonest  form  has  a  whitish 
perianth  and  a  long  yellow  trumpet.  It  is  very  early  in 
flowering  and  may  be  used  for  forcing,  pot  and  garden 
culture. 

PYRAMUS.  (D.  $30  ea.)  A  new  late-flowering  bi-colour 
of  distinct  and  elegant  form.  Perianth,  creamy;  trumpet, 
canary-yellow,  long  and  slightly  rolled  back  at  the  mouth. 
Award  of  Merit,  R.  H.  S. 

QUEEN  CHRISTIANA.  (D.  14  in.  $125  ea.)  New  late- 
flowering,  extra  good  variety  of  great  substance,  with 
a  large,  elegantly  formed,  bold  trumpet  of  soft  lemon 
colour,  widely  opened  at  the  mouth  and  beautifully  flanged. 
Broad,  pure  white  perianth.  Award  of  Merit  and  special 
medal  for  the  best  trumpet  daffodil  in  the  Show  at  Bir- 
mingham. 

QUEEN  ISABELLA.  (B.  12  in.  §  f[  $2.50  ea.)  A  new  seed- 
ling with  pointed  white  petals  and  an  elegantly  shaped  and 
frilled  trumpet  of  cream  and  canary-yellow. 

RHEA.  (D.  $3  ea.)  New;  good  form  and  great  sub- 
stance. Perianth,  white;  trumpet,  golden-yellow. 

SCOTICUS.  (A.  t$2  hu.)  The  Scotch  garland  flower.  A 
dwarf,  extra  early  flowering  native,  thriving  when 
naturalised  in  grass  or  shaded  localities,  but  often  dis- 
appointing in  the  cultivated  garden,  though  it  frequently 
forces  well.  The  flower  is  bold  in  outline,  with  whitish 
perianth  and  rich  yellow  trumpet,  serrated  and  flanged  at 
the  brim. 

SENTINEL.  (§ff*$2.so  doz.)  A  charmingly  effective, 
strong-growing  bicolor  for  bedding,  the  flowers  just  top- 
ping the  foliage.  Pure  white  petals,  broad  and  spreading; 
trumpet,  clear  yellow,  short  but  well  expanded  and  flanged 
at  the  mouth. 

SILVER  SPUR.  (A.  $3  doz.)  Newly  introduced  and 
said  to  class  among  the  bicolors  as  Golden  Spur  in  the  all- 


140  DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 

yellows.  As  early  as  Golden  Spur.  Perianth,  nearly 
white;  trumpet,  long  and  yellow. 

TUSCAN  BICOLOR.  (t§$i-5o  doz.)  An  extra-early 
type  from  Italy;  does  well  in  grass,  and  excellent  for  pots. 

VICTORIA.  (B.  iS  in.  §H$i  doz.)  A  comparatively 
new  variety,  bearing  immense  flowers  of  ideal  form  and 
unsurpassed  substance.  When  flowered  under  glass  it  is 
even  more  beautiful  than  when  grown  in  the  open.  It 
forces  easily  and  is  earlier  than  any  other  high-class  bi- 
colour.  As  a  pot  plant  it  is  most  effective,  the  flowers  being 
carried  erect  on  tall,  stiff  stems,  gracefully  topping  the 
foliage.  The  petals  are  of  remarkable  breadth,  creamy 
white  out  of  doors,  but  snowy  white  under  glass ;  the  bright 
yellow  trumpet  is  very  large  and  broad,  beautifully  flanged 
and  frilled  at  the  mouth.  A  variety  of  great  merit,  strong 
and  healthy  in  growth,  a  free  bloomer,  and  especially  noted 
for  its  vanilla-like  perfume.  Award  of  Merit,  R.  H.  S. ; 
certificate  of  merit,  R.  B.  S. 

WEARDALE  PERFECTION.  (D.  24  in.  §fl$5  ea.)  A  new 
seedling,  the  largest  and  most  beautiful  bi-colour.  Some 
blooms  of  this  daffodil  have  been  exhibited  measuring  five 
inches  across.  Well  proportioned,  large  white  petals  and 
an  immense  sulphur  trumpet.  First-class  certificate,  R.  H. 
S. ;  Premier  prize  as  the  "Finest  Daffodil"  at  Birmingham; 
Floral  certificate  at  the  Daffodil  Conference,  and  numerous 
other  awards. 


CHAPTER  XI 

THE  LESSER  TRUMPET,  HOOP  PETTICOAT 
AND  CYCLAMEN-FLOWERED  DAFFODILS 

The  grouping  together  of  the  sections 
Humei,  Backhousei,  Bulbocodium,  with  cycla- 
mineus,  Johnstoni  and  triandrus  is  done  for 
convenience. 

The  varieties  of  the  two  first  named  sec- 
tions often  have  a  character  in  common  in  the 
"clipped  off"  trumpet;  but  on  the  other  hand 
the  true  Backhousei  type  is  almost  insepar- 
able from  the  large  trumpets  except  that  the 
flower  as  a  whole  is  smaller. 

NARCISSUS  HUMEI 

"Hume's  Dog-Eared  Daffodils"  are  gar- 
den hybrids,  some  people  say,  between  N. 
Pseudo-Narcissus  and  N.  montanus,  others 
claim  between  N.  incomparabilis  and  N. 
Pseudo-Narcissus.  But  whatever  the  paren- 
tage of  the  Humei  type  may  be,  the  flowers,  if 
not  very  beautiful,  have  the  merit  of  distinc- 
141 


142  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

tiveness  of  form,  so  precious  to  the  collector  of 
varieties.  The  flowers  are  nodding  and  have 
a  straight  crown  or  trumpet  of  "clipped  off" 
appearance  and  about  one  inch  long — with 
loosely-flopping  petals  about  half  as  long 
again  as  the  crown — from  which  the 
suggestive  name  of  "dog-ear"  originated.  All 
of  the  varieties  of  this  type  are  admirably 
adapted  for  beds,  borders  and  naturalising. 

HUMEI  ALBIDUS.  (fl  *  $i  doz.)  Small  flowers  with  sul- 
phur white  perianth  petals  and  a  lemon-yellow  crown. 

HUMEI  CONCOLOR.  (C.  15  in.  §  fl  $1.50  doz.)  Perianth 
and  crown  of  uniform  light  yellow. 

HUMEI  MONSTROSUS.  Syn:  Hume's  Giant.  (B.  12  in. 
§  fl75C  doz.)  A  larger  flower  with  yellow  petals  changing 
to  sulphur  colour  which  overhang  the  deeper  yellow 
straight  trumpet. 

THE  LEEK.  (D.  19  in.  §ff*$i  ea.)  A  new  variety 
with  creamy-white  pointed  perianth  petals  overhanging 
the  straight  rich  yellow  trumpet ;  foliage  broad  and  droop- 
ing. 

NARCISSUS    BACKHOUSEI 

A  small  group  with  trumpet  shaped  crowns, 
a  connecting  link  between  the  large  trumpet 
daffodils  and  the  medium-crown  or  cup  types, 
though  they  are  usually  classed  in  the  latter 
section.  The  whole  flower  is  comparatively 
small  for  a  trumpet  daffodil. 


LESSER   TRUMPET,    ETC.  143 

The  original  type  was  raised  by  Mr.  W. 
Backhouse  in  whose  honour  the  group  is 
named.  One  parent  was  undoubtedly  N. 
Pseudo-Narcissus  but  it  is  disputed  whether 
the  other  was  a  Tazetta  or  incomparabilis 
variety.  Backhousei  forms  have  been  raised 
by  crossing  Ajax  bicolor  with  poeticus. 
They  are  all  suitable  for  pot  culture,  garden 
beds,  borders  and  naturalising. 

BACKHOUSEI  (the  type).  (C.  17  in.  §^$1.50  doz.)  A 
distinct  hybrid,  with  a  pure  yellow,  stout  trumpet-shaped 
crown,  well  expanded  reflexed  petals  of  a  sulphur-yellow ; 
a  bold,  handsome  lasting  flower. 

WILLIAM  WILKS.  (C.  15  in.  §  ft  500.  doz.)  Quickly 
described  as  an  Ajax  bicolor,  with  a  shortened  trumpet  of 
striking  orange-yellow.  The  trumpet  is  well  expanded, 
has  a  beautifully  frilled  brim.  The  perianth  petals  are 
broad,  spread  well  and  are  cream-white  in  colour ;  excellent 
cut  flower;  foliage,  broad  and  massive. 

WOLLEY  Don.  (B.  18  in.  $2.50  doz.)  Large,  spreading, 
cream-yellow  petals  and  a  short,  deep  yellow  crown;  a 
very  distinct  and  excellent  form. 

THE  HOOP  PETTICOAT  DAFFODILS 

A  small  well  characterised  dwarf  group 
with  rush-like  leaves  and  flowers  having  a 
very  wide-mouthed  trumpet,  that  in  form  re- 
calls the  old-fashioned  crinoline;  petals  nar- 


144  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

row  and  of  comparative  insignificance.  They 
are  all  varieties  of  the  one  species :  N.  Corbu- 
laria  or  Bulbocodium,  indigenous  to  the  south 
of  France,  Spain,  Portugal,  Algeria  and  Mo- 
rocco. Suitable  for  rockwork  and  edgings, 
or  for  grouping  in  the  foreground  of  the  her- 
baceous border;  but  when  forced  in  pots  and 
pans  they  are  truly  beautiful.  'Easily  grown 
from  seed,  which  is  freely  produced,  flower- 
ing in  about  three  years  from  sowing.  Give 
a  gritty  or  sandy,  well  under-drained  loam. 

BULBOCODIUM  CITRINUM  or  CITRINUS.  (C.  6  to  8  in.  iff.) 
750  doz.)  The  large  yellow  "Hoop  Petticoat";  rich  golden- 
yellow  flowers. 

BULBOCODIUM  CITRINUM  or  CITRINUS.  (C.  6  to  8  in.  §  fl.) 
The  large  sulphur  "Hoop  Petticoat",  pale  lemon  yellow 
flowers. 

BULBOCODIUM  PRAECOX.  (B.  6  in.  §fl$i  doz.)  The 
early  yellow  "Hoop  Petticoat".  In  favored  locations  this 
flowers  out-of-doors  in  February. 

BULBOCODIUM  MONOPHYLLUM  or  MONOPHYLLA.  Syn:  Clusii. 
(A.  6  in.  §fi$i  doz.)  The  White  Hoop  Petticoat.  Extra 
early  and  especially  adapted  for  winter  flowering  in  pots, 
it  also  flourishes  in  sunny  nooks  in  rockwork  or  sandy 
soil.  The  snowy  white  flowers  are  of  exquisite  beauty. 

BULBOCODIUM  MINIATURE.  (B.  3  in.  §^$2.50  doz.)  A 
very  rare  variety  growing  only  3  in.  in  height  bearing 
diminutive  yellow  flowers. 


LESSER   TRUMPET,    ETC.  145 

THE     CYCLAMEN      FLOWERED      DAFFODILS 

CYCLAMINEUS,  JOHNSTONI  AND  TRIAN- 
DRUS 

These  three  family  groups — N.  Cyclami- 
neus,  N.  Johnstoni  and  N.  triandrus — are  in- 
cluded under  the  one  heading  because  the 
flowers  of  all  are  distinguished  by  reflexed 
petals  that  liken  them  to  the  flowers  of  the 
cyclamen.  That  the  three  groups  are  closely 
related  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  N.  cycla- 
minens  is  a  sub-species  of  the  Portugese  form 
of  N.  Pseudo-Narcissus,  and  the  typical  forms 
of  TV.  Johnstoni  are  natural  hybrids  between 
the  latter  and  N.  triandrus  which  is  also  a 
wild  Spanish  and  Portugese  daffodil.  The 
proper  classification  of  these  varieties  has 
been  and  is  still  much  discussed  and  the  plac- 
ing of  them  in  one  garden  group  seems  to  be 
the  logical  situation.  N.  triandrus  has  rush- 
like  leaves. 

CYCLAMINEUS.  (A.  6  in.  §tfl$x  doz.)  The  yellow 
cyclamen-flowered  daffodil.  This  dwarf,  dainty  little 
variety  was  lost  to  cultivation  for  nearly  300  years — but 
was  rediscovered  in  Portugal  in  1887.  It  grows  only  6  inches 
high,  bearing  small  drooping  flowers  of  rich  yellow  and  as 
shiny  as  gold.  The  tubular  trumpet,  about  one  inch  long, 
is  topped  with  turned-back  petals  in  cyclamen-like  form. 


146  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

It  is  the  earliest  of  all  daffodils  to  bloom  and  is  worthy 
of  a  place  in  every  collection  for  its  peculiar  and  distinctly 
characteristic  flowers.  It  may  be  grown  in  pots,  for  edg- 
ings to  beds,  or  in  well-drained  pockets  of  rockwork.  It  is 
especially  valuable  for  naturalising  in  shaded  places,  but  it 
must  have  a  moist,  well-drained  soil.  First  class  certificate 
R.  H.  S. 

CYCLAMINEUS,  van  MAJOR.  (A.  6  in.  §  ^  $1.25  doz.) 
This  is  supposed  to  be  a  larger  flowering  form  of  the  pre- 
ceding— but  I  have  found  no  difference  between  them. 

JOHNSTONI.  A  wild  type  found  in  Portugal  and  Spain, 
supposed  to  be  a  natural  hybrid  between  some  Ajax  and 
Triandrus  (Angel's  tears).  But  whatever  its  parentage, 
Johnstoni  is  a  very  pretty  though  diminutive  daffodil  with 
a  funnel-shaped  trumpet  about  one  inch  long  and  reflexed 
(turned  back)  petals  which  place  it  among  the  cyclamen- 
flowered  class.  In  its  wild  form  it  varies  somewhat  in 
shape  and  size  and  also  colour,  the  latter  ranging  from 
cream  to  lemon-yellow.  I  do  not  know  that  any  stock  of 
bulbs  as  collected  are  offered  for  sale — but  selections  from 
the  wild  are  to  be  had  under  the  names  of  "Queen  of 
Spain"  and  "Mrs.  George  Cammell."  There  are  also 
several  artificial  or  garden  hybrids  including  those  enume- 
rated below  but  none  yet  in  commerce,  viz: 
Johnstoni  Countess  Visconti 

Countess  Grey 

Count  Viscounti 

Cyprian 

Dorothy  Kingsmill 
"        Earle  Gray 

Elenor  Berkeley 

JOHNSTONI,  "QUEEN  OF  SPAIN."  (B.  12  in.  t§  11  $1-25 
doz.)  A  superior  selection  from  the  varied  wild  forms  of 
Johnstoni.  A  small  but  beautiful  and  distinct  flower, 
droopingly  poised  just  above  the  blue-green  foliage.  Its 


LESSER  TRUMPET,  ETC.  147 

colour  is  soft-yellow  throughout;  the  trumpet,  short  and 
slightly  expanded,  is  topped  with  perianth  petals  that  turn 
back  like  those  of  a  cyclamen.  It  is  attractive  in  garden 
beds,  and  naturalised  in  shaded  places  under  trees — its  effect 
when  in  masses  is  not  surpassed  by  any  daffodil  in  culti- 
vation. It  lasts  long  in  bloom  and  is  a  good  cut  flower. 

J.  T.  BENNETT  POE.  (15  in.  $25  ea.)  A  beautiful 
new  hybrid  of  robust  constitution:  perianth  petals  of  cream 
colour;  trumpet  of  canary-yellow — straight  and  elegantly 
outlined. 

TRIANDRUS.  Syn:  Ganymedes.  These  small  rush  leaved 
daffodils,  popularly  known  as  "Angel's  tears,"  are  found 
wild  in  the  mountains  of  Portugal  and  Spain,  where  they 
grow  usually  in  the  fissures  of  rocks.  The  flowers  are 
small,  with  bell-shaped  crowns  and  reflexed  petals,  remind- 
ing one  of  cyclamen  flowers.  For  pot  culture,  several  bulbs 
to  a  pot,  they  are  well  adapted,  also  for  rock  work  and 
naturalising,  always  thriving  in  shaded  locations  and  in 
gritty,  well  drained  soil.  The  varieties  are: 

TRIANDRUS  ALBUS.  (C.  7  in.  §  fi  "j$c.  doz.)  The  white 
cyclamen-flowered  daffodil:  creamy  white. 

TRIANDRUS  CALATHINUS.  (C.  7  in.  §fl$i  ea.)  Flow- 
ers larger  and  distinct  from  Albus,  and  snowy  white. 

TRIANDRUS  CONCOLOR.  (C.  7  in.  §  1j  soc  ea.)  Soft  yellow 
throughout,  beautiful. 

TRIANDRUS  PULCHELLUS.  (D.  9  in.  §ff$3  ea.)  Coro- 
na white;  petals,  primrose;  rare  and  exquisite,  slightly 
later,  taller  and  larger  than  the  others. 


CHAPTER  XII 
THE  MEDIUM-CROWN  HYBRIDS 

THIS  is  a  most  important  group,  adapted 
to  the  broadest  ranges  of  cultivation  and  em- 
bracing some  of  the  best  varieties  for  cutting 
and  for  naturalising. 

NARCISSUS  INCOMPARABILIS 

THIS  is  one  of  the  most  important  sections 
of  the  medium-crown  group.  The  type, 
wild  over  a  large  area  throughout  South- 
western Europe,  was  long  considered  a 
species,  but  comparatively  recent  proofs  in- 
cluding artificial  crosses  between  N.  Pseudo- 
Narcissus  and  N.  poetlcus  which  reproduced 
the  identical  plant  and  flower,  have  caused  N. 
incomparabilis  to  be  generally  recognised  as 
a  natural  hybrid.  There  are  now  many  varie- 
ties— mostly  garden  crosses.  The  distinguish- 
ing characteristic  is  a  cup-shaped  crown,  one- 
third  to  three-quarters  the  length  of  the 
petals. 

148 


MEDIUM-CROWN    HYBRIDS  149 

Practically  all  the  varieties  may  be  de- 
pended upon  for  any  purpose;  they  make 
charming  pot  plants  and  are  graceful  and  un- 
excelled as  cut  flowers,  showy  for  beds  and 
borders  and  most  effective  for  naturalising. 
The  richness  of  colouring  in  the  cup  varies  ac- 
cording to  season  and  conditions  of  soil  and 
exposure. 

AMSTERDAM.  ($1.50  hu.)  Narrow,  white  petals;  cup, 
large,  of  an  orange  cast,  stained  reddish. 

ARTEMIS.  (D.  §fi$i  doz.)  A  strong,  tall  grower, 
with  handsome  flowers,  broad  perianth  petals  of  white; 
expanded  yellow  cup. 

AURANTIUS.  Syn:  Incomparabilis  simplex.  (*$idoz.) 
One  of  the  type  selections  from  the  native  N.  incomparabilis 
An  early  free-flowering  variety  with  sulphur-yellow  petals 
and  a  yellow  and  orange  crown.  Splendid  for  naturalising 
and  good  for  cutting.  The  double-flowering  form  of  this 
(aurantius  plenus)  is  well  known  under  the  catalogue  name 
of  Golden  Phoenix,  and  the  popular  name  of  "Butter  and 
Eggs." 

AUTOCRAT.  (C.  20  in.  *U  soc.  doz.)  A  rich  self  yellow 
with  wide  petals  and  a  broadly  expanded  cup,  tinged  scarlet 
at  the  mouth. 

BEAUTY.  (D.  23  in.  §  II*  750  doz.)  One  of  the  best 
varieties  in  the  group.  A  strong  grower  and  free  bloomer, 
producing  bold,  handsome  flowers  on  long  stems.  Perianth 
light  yellow,  with  darker  yellow  bars  shading  each  petal; 
cup,  very  large,  well  expanded,  deep,  rich  yellow,  stained 
reddish  orange.  Unsurpassed  as  an  exhibition  variety,  and 
should  be  largely  grown  as  a  cut  flower.  It  is  also  most 


150  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

effective  in  garden  and  when  naturalised.  Award  of  merit, 
R.  H.  S.  Certificate  of  merit,  R.  B.  S. 

BERTIE.  (C.  15  in.  ff*$i  doz.)  A  bold,  showy  flower 
with  broad,  creamy-white  perianth  petals,  and  a  deep  yel- 
low cup  bordered  orange.  A  good  cut  flower,  and  fairly 
early. 

BLACKWELL.  (A.  fi*$i  ea.)  A  new  variety  and  the 
earliest  of  all  narcissus,  excepting  the  small  N.  minor  and 
N.  minimus.  It  commences  to  flower  by  the  middle  of 
March  and  holds  its  beauty  for  a  month.  The  flower  is 
bold  and  handsome.  Perianth  petals,  cream-yellow;  cup 
straight,  deeply  fluted,  rich  yellow,  stained  orange  scarlet. 

CANARY  QUEEN.  (D.  21  in.  $i  ea.)  White  petals; 
crown,  canary-yellow,  edged  with  apricot. 

CARDINAL.  (B.  18  in.  $i  ea.)  A  new  seedling  of 
robust  growth.  Petals,  white;  crown,  large  and  coloured 
vivid  orange  clear  to  the  base. 

C.  J.  BACKHOUSE.  (C.  20  in.  Iff $1.50  doz.)  Though 
named  in  honour  of  the  daffodil  enthusiast,  this  should  not  be 
confounded  with  the  "Backhousei"  section,  for  this  variety 
is  a  typical  incomparabilis  and  one  of  the  best  of  the  class. 
The  flower  is  most  attractive  and  distinctively  coloured : 
crown,  much  elongated,  rich  orange-yellow,  tinged  reddish ; 
petals,  yellow,  medium  size.  It  prefers  cool  soil  in  a  half- 
shaded  situation.  First  class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

COMMANDER.  (D.  18  in.  §fl*$2  doz.)  Very  large  and 
beautiful  flower,  not  unlike  Sir  Watkin.  Petals,  pale  sul- 
phur-yellow; cup,  large  and  broad,  rich  yellow  stained 
orange  red.  Strong  growing,  late  flowering.  Floral  cer- 
tificate, Daffodil  Conference. 

CONSTELLATION.  (C.  20  in.  §  ff  *  $5  doz.)  Large  and 
beautiful  flower,  with  broad  white  petals,  and  a  bright 
yellow  cup,  tinged  orange  at  the  mouth  and  prettily  crimped 
at  the  brim ;  a  tall,  strong  grower. 

CYNOSURE.  (C.  18  in.  fl  *  $1.50  hu.)  Very  satisfactory, 
free-flowering,  low-priced  variety;  extensively  grown  for 


MEDIUM-CROWN  HYBRIDS  151 

market  flowers  and  most  popular  for  naturalising  in  grass. 
The  flower,  of  fair  substance,  is  of  first-class  size  and  form. 
Creamy-white  perianth  and  yellow  cup,  suffused  orange. 
Splendid  for  cutting  in  quantity. 

DANDY  DICK.  (B.  §  fi*$4  ea.)  New.  A  showy,  bold 
flower  of  good  substance.  Petals,  shortened,  broad,  cream- 
yellow;  crown,  well  expanded,  prettily  crimped  at  the  brim, 
bright  yellow,  with  a  deep  showy  orange-red  margin. 

DOCTOR  GORMAN.  ($1.50  doz.)  Well  expanded,  pure 
white  petals,  and  a  rich  primrose,  beautifully  crimped 
crown. 

FEARLESS.  ($50  ea.)  A  new,  giant  incomparabilis, 
with  broad,  smooth  petals  of  white,  and  a  bold,  rich  yellow 
crown,  prettily  fringed  at  the  brim.  Award  of  Merit, 
Birmingham. 

FIGARO.  ($1.50  hu.)  An  old  but  still  popular  variety, 
producing  large  flowers  with  spreading  light  yellow  petals 
and  a  much  expanded  cup,  yellow,  shaded  orange. 

FRANK  MILES.  (C.  22  in.  §  fl  *  soc.  doz.)  Distinct,  with 
large  flowers.  Petals,  soft  yellow,  gracefully  twisted.  The 
cup,  clear  yellow.  A  charming  flower  for  cutting,  and  ex- 
ceedingly effective  when  grown  in  masses. 

GAIETY.  (E.  16  in.  $2.50  ea.)  A  new  variety  with  long 
tapering  perianth  petals  of  soft  canary-yellow;  crown, 
straight,  fluted,  brilliant  orange. 

GEORGE  NICHOLSON.  (D.  17  in.,  $1.50  doz.)  Vigorous, 
large,  late  flowering.  Perianth,  pure  white;  cup,  clear 
yellow.  A  flower  of  good  form  and  unusually  lasting  sub- 
stance. 

GIPSY  LAD.  (§11*  $2  ea.)  A  desirable  new  variety, 
producing  bold,  showy  flowers  with  broad,  well  formed 
petals  and  a  large,  pure  yellow  crown,  heavily  margined 
with  fiery  orange-red. 

GLORIA  MUNDI.  (D.  18  in.  §fl$i  ea.)  New.  Really 
glorious  flowers.  Petals,  bold,  rich,  bright  yellow;  crown, 
very  large,  well  expanded,  rich  deep  orange,  suffused  red. 


152  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

Without  doubt  the  best  of  the  yellow  incomparabilis  type, 
whether  for  exhibition,  for  the  garden  or  for  cutting.  A 
strong,  vigorous  grower,  but  late  in  flowering.  First-class 
certificate,  R.  H.  S.  and  Midland  Daffodil  Society. 

GOLIATH.  (D.  18  in.  *fi$i  doz.)  A  handsome,  large, 
late-flowering  variety,  with  broad,  white  petals  and  large 
yellow  cup. 

GWYTHER.  (C.  17  in.  fl*$2.5O  hu.)  Beautiful  and 
showy  for  borders  and  for  cutting.  Large,  broad  yellow 
petals,  with  a  large  yellow  cup,  suffused  orange. 

HOGARTH.  (C.  20  in.  $1.50  doz.)  A  quaint  flower,  with 
a  very  large  yellow  cup,  much  expanded  and  gathered; 
petals,  yellow  and  gracefully  twisted. 

JAMES  BATEMAN.  (D.  22  in.  fl*7sc  doz.)  Late, 
a  graceful  flower  of  good  substance  and  best  form.  Petals 
broad,  pure  white;  cup  clear  yellow. 

KING  OF  THE  NETHERLANDS.  (C.  20  in.  fi*?sc  doz.) 
Distinct  and  extra  good.  Petals  sulphur  coloured;  cup 
large;  spreading,  yellow  stained  orange. 

LADY  ARNOTT.  ($6  ea.)  A  beautiful  flower  similar  to 
but  larger  than  C.  J.  Backhouse;  perianth  yellow,  cup 
yellow,  tinged  red. 

LADY  MARGARET  BOSCAWEN.  ($20  ea.)  A  new  giant 
flowered  seedling  that  might  be  called  a  "bi-colour  Sir 
Watkin,"  the  flower  being  of  large  size  with  broad,  snowy 
white  petals  and  a  large,  expanded  crown  of  golden  yellow. 
First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

LOBSTER.  (B.  18  in.  $i  ea.)  A  new  and  showy  early 
flowering  kind  with  deep  yellow  petals  and  an  orange 
cup,  stained  red. 

LOUISE.  (D.  15  in.  §ff$i  ea.)  A  handsome  late  flower 
of  great  substance;  round,  broad  petals  and  a  bold  canary- 
yellow  cup,  tinged  orange-red.  The  cup  is  prettily  crimped 
at  the  brim. 

LUCIFER.  (B.  18  in.  ff$2  ea.)  A  splendid  new  Irish 
seedling.  Early,  free  flowering  and  a  strong  grower. 


MEDIUM-CROWN    HYBRIDS  153 

Large  handsome  white  petals ;  cup  intense  orange-red, 
very  striking.  First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S.  and  Midland 
Daffodil  Society. 

LULWORTH.  Syn:  Lulworth  Beauty,.  (14  in.  500  ea.) 
A  real  gem  when  perfect,  but  some  seasons  the  cup  has 
an  inclination  to  split.  Perianth  pure  white,  cup  orange- 
red,  sometimes  almost  scarlet.  First-class  certificate,  R.  H. 
S. 

LYDIA.  ($2  doz.)  New.  Elegant  flowers  borne  two  to 
four  on  a  stem,  the  white  petals  gracefully  curved:  cup 
cream,  shaded  orange-red. 

MABLE  COWAN.  (D.  20  in.  If* $1.50  doz.)  A  profuse 
blooming  late  sort — a  beautiful  flower  of  lasting  substance. 
Splendid  for  cutting.  Perianth  white;  cup  broadly  mar- 
gined orange-scarlet.  Floral  certificate,  Daffodil  Confer- 
ence. 

MAGOG.  (C.  fi*7sc  doz.)  Well  known  among  those 
who  grow  flowers  for'  market.  The  discriminating  col- 
lector however  chooses  Sir  Watkin  instead.  The  flower 
of  Magog  is  of  good  size  and  form  with  cream-yellow 
perianth  and  sulphur  yellow  cup.  It  does  well  naturali- 
sed in  grass. 

MARY  ANDERSON.  The  single  form  of  Orange  Phoenix, 
popularly  known  as  Eggs  and  Bacon.  Flower  of  medium 
size,  perianth  pure  white,  cup  deep  orange  suffused  reddish, 

MARS.  (B.  1 8  in.  §1f$5  ea.)  A  new  variety  of  strong, 
tall  growth  and  free-flowering  qualities.  Broad,  white 
petals  and  large,  open,  orange-red  crown. 

PERFECTUS.  (D.  21  in.  §  1f  soc  ea.)  A  late  flower  of 
charming  symmetry  and  great  substance  having  well- 
formed  stiff  white  petals,  and  an  expanded  cup  of  canary- 
yellow,  slightly  suffused  orange. 

PRINCE  OF  TECK.  (D.  18  in.  §1f  $i  doz.)  A  late  flower 
with  broad,  well-formed,  imbricated  creamy-white  petals 
and  a  large,  expanded  yellow  cup. 


154  DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 

PRINCESS  MARY.  Syn:  Princess  Mary  of  Cambridge. 
(C.  16  in.  §H$i  doz.)  A  well-known  mid-season  variety 
of  high  merit,  producing  flowers  of  perfect  form.  Petals 
creamy-white,  broad  and  spreading;  cup  yellow  suffused 
reddish-orange,  large  and  expanding.  Distinct  and  beauti- 
ful. First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

QUEEN  BESS.  (A.  15  in.  §H*75C  doz.)  The  earliest 
to  bloom  among  the  incomparabilis.  Very  popular  for 
early  forcing;  large,  broad,  white  petals;  cup  lemon- 
yellow,  much  expanded. 

QUEEN  CATHERINA.  (B.  18  in.  §ff*$2.so  doz.)  A  new, 
early  and  meritorious  variety,  a  strong  grower  and  free 
bloomer,  often  producing  two  flowers  on  a  stem.  Reflexed 
petals  creamy-yellow,  and  large  bright  yellow  open  cup, 
suffused  orange.  The  cup  is  prettily  crinkled  at  the  mouth. 
Strong  foliage,  deep  blue-green.  A  valuable  beclder. 

QUEEN  SOPHIA.  (C.  18  in.  $5  doz.)  An  old  reliable 
variety  thriving  best  in  stiff  loamy  soil.  Petals  sulphury 
white;  cup  yellow,  expanded,  frilled  at  the  brim  and 
stained  orange-red.  First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

RED  STAR.  (E.  14.  in.  $5  doz.)  New.  Extia  late  in 
flowering  and  valuable  for  succession.  Like  most  late 
flowers  it  surpasses  the  average  in  size  and  substance. 
Petals  creamy  white,  elegantly  arched;  long  straight  cup, 
yellow  stained  brilliant  red.  Free  flowering  and  very 
showy. 

SEMI-PARTITUS,  (D.  17  in.  $2  doz.)  An  old,  distinct 
and  interesting  variety  with  a  pale  primrose  perianth 
and  deeply  lobed  (imbricated)  light  yellow  cup. 

SIR  WATKIN.  (B.  21  in.  §fl*soc  doz.)  This  Welsh 
giant  is  one  of  the  best,  largest  and  freest  bloomers  of  the 
incomparabilis  section;  it  is  also  very  early.  When  well 
grown  the  flowers  measure  five  inches  across;  the  wide- 
spreading  petals  are  pale  yellow;  the  cup  bright  yellow, 
and  frequently  tinged  orange  near  the  mouth;  a  healthy 
strong  grower  with  long  stemmed  flowers  of  good  sub- 


MEDIUM-CROWN    HYBRIDS  155 

stance.  The  connoisseur  may  claim  the  flower  is  a  little 
gross  and  coarse — but  for  large  flowers  and  plenty  of  them 
it  is  valuable  for  cutting,  lasting  well  in  water.  It 
forces  easily,  does  well  in  pots,  is  very  showy  when  massed 
in  garden  beds  and  borders,  and  for  naturalising  in  grass 
it  has  few  equals.  It  makes  large  bulbs  which  multiply 
rapidly  from  offsets. 

STEADFAST.  ($5  ea.)  A  new  giant  of  excellent  substance 
and  handsome  form.  Petals  white,  crown  cylindiical,  and 
of  rich  yellow. 

STELLA.  (C.  §fl*$2  hu.)  A  well-known  variety, 
popular  for  forcing,  open  ground  planting  and  natural- 
ising on  account  of  its  low  price,  being  grown  by  thousands 
for  cutting  purposes.  It  is  a  reliable  bloomer,  fairly  early. 
Charming  medium-sized  flower,  with  pure  white  petals  and 
lemon-yellow  crown. 

STELLA  SUPERBA.  (C.  20  in.  §fl*7sc  doz.)  A  new 
and  splendid  introduction,  great  improvement  over  Stella, 
the  flowers  being  as  large  again  and  of  great  substance, 
borne  on  long  stout  stems,  splendid  as  cut  flowers.  Large 
spreading  clear  white  petals;  cup  large,  well  expanded, 
bright  yellow.  A  free  bloomer,  strong  grower,  effective 
bedder,  and  also  does  well  naturalised. 

STARLIGHT.  ($1.25  ea.)  One  of  the  most  'orilliant  of 
this  section,  the  bright  orange  crown  contrasting  well 
against  the  white  perianth.  Very  free-blooming,  averaging 
three  to  five  flowers  on  each  stem. 

SWEETHEART.  (C.  15  in.  $1.50  ea.)  This  new  variety 
was  originally  introduced  in  1901  as  Phyllis,  but  that 
name  having  been  given  to  both  Leedsii  and  Tazetta 
varieties  the  "incomparabilis  Phyllis"  was  withdrawn.  It 
produces  large  and  beautiful  flowers  with  white  petals  and 
a  straight  canary-yellow  crown  beautifully  fluted  and 
flanged  at  the  brim. 

THE  RIVAL.  (C.  18  in.  $3  ea.)  New  seedling.  Sym- 
metrical round  form;  petals  broad  and  over-lapping,  pale 


156  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

canary-yellow.  Crown  fluted  at  the  brim  and  edged 
orange-red. 

TITIAN.  (B.  18  in.  §fl*$2  hu.)  Early,  large  and  well 
formed,  with  yellow  petals  and  a  yellow  cup  stained 
orange-red. 

TORCH.  (H*$3  ea.)  New  and  very  showy.  Large 
yellow  petals,  gracefully  twisted:  very  large  crown,  yellow 
suffused  fiery  orange-red.  Award  of  Merit,  R.  H.  S. 

TRIUMPH.  ($5  ea.)  Flowers  almost  as  large  as  those 
of  Sir  Watkin  but  later  and  of  more  perfect  form  and 
greater  substance.  Pure  white  petals;  very  large  deep 
yellow  crown. 

VESUVIUS.  (15  in.  If* $2  doz.)  A  good  grower  and 
free'  bloomer ;  sulphury- white  petals ;  cup,  glowing  orange, 
tinged  reddish. 

WHITE  WINGS.  (§  fl  $1.50  ea.)  Broad  round  pure  white 
petals;  crown,  clear  yellow.  Award  of  Merit,  R.  H.  S. 

WILL  SCARLETT.  (If* $20  ea.)  A  new  and  strikingly 
attractive  flower.  The  fiery  orange-red  colouring  of  the 
wide-mouthed  crinkled  cup  is  remarkable,  perianth  rather 
weak,  creamy  white.  First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

NARCISSUS   NELSONI 

Garden  hybrids,  the  parentage  of  which 
seems  to  be  Ajax  bicolor  and  N.  poeticus. 
They  are  aptly  described  as  "shortened  trum- 
pet bi-colours,"  having  white  petals  and  gob- 
let-shaped crowns  more  than  half  the  length 
of  the  petals. 

Late  flowering  and  therefore  highly  prized 
for  succession.  Suitable  for  beds  and  bor- 


ALL-WHITE  TRUMPET  DAFFODIL 

Madame  De  Graaff,  one  of  the  most  important  of  the  white  trumpet  varieties. 
Remarkably  sturdv,  growing  sixteen  inches  high.  On  first  opening,  the  trumpet 
is  faintly  tinged  with  a  shade  of  primrose 


MEDIUM-CROWN,  OR  CUP  DAFFODIL  N.  IXCOMPARABILIS 

Sir  \Vatkin,  a  most  popular  large-flowered  variety  of  the  medium-crown  grox-.p  for 
bedding,  for  cut  flowers  and  for  forcing.  Early,  very  sturdy  and  taller  than  the 
average.  Perianth  rich  yellow,  cup  rich  sulphur  tinged  orange. 


MEDIUM-CROWN    HYBRIDS  157 

ders,  for  naturalising  and  for  pot  culture,  3 
to  5  bulbs  in  a  five-inch  pot.  As  cut  flowers 
they  are  especially  valuable,  lasting  a  long 
time  in  water. 

AURANTIUS.  Syn:  Nelson's  Orange.  (D.  12  in.  500  ea.) 
A  distinct  flower,  one  of  the  best  shapes  in  the  section;  the 
pure  white  perianth  is  broad  and  flat:  the  long  crown 
bright  yellow  suffused  with  orange-red  is  well  expanded 
and  fluted.  First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

NELSONI  MAJOR.  (D.  16  in.  §  fi  *  500  doz.)  Late 
flowering  variety  with  a  rather  long  cylindrical  golden- 
jellow  crown,  suffused  with  orange  on  first  opening.  Petals 
pure  white. 

NELSONI  MINOR.  (D.  12  in.  t$*doz.)  The  small 
form  of  Nelsoni  Major.  Dwarf  small,  snow-white  peri- 
anth ;  crown  deep  yellow,  the  pistil  projecting  beyond  the 
brim;  excellent  for  naturalising. 

MRS.  C.  J.  BACKHOUSE.  (D.  12  in.  §fl*75c  doz.) 
Superb.  Massive  broad  white  petals  and  a  clear  yellow 
well-expanded  crown.  First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

MRS.  KNIGHTS.  (E.  fi*$2  ea.)  New  seedling,  very 
late.  Broad  white  petals  and  a  broad  bright  yellow  crown. 

PULCHELLUS.  (D.  15  in.  If*  $1.50  doz.)  A  beautiful 
drooping  flower  with  imbricated  campanulate  perianth 
of  pure  white  and  a  light  yellow  crown. 

RESOLUTE.  (D.  13  in.  §  fl  7sc  ea.)  New.  A  bold, 
pendulous  flower.  Perianth  broad  and  of  creamy-yel- 
low, long  straight  crown  of  clear  yellow.  A  strong  grower 
and  free  bloomer. 

STRONG  Bow.  (D.  n  in.  §  If  $2.50  ea.)  A  new  and 
sturdy  variety  with  broad  thick  foliage.  The  flower  of 
great  substance  has  broad  snowy-white  petals,  and  a 
large  well-expanded  rich-yellow  crown.  Award  of  merit, 
Birmingham;  award  of  merit,  R.  H.  S. 


158  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

WILLIAM  BACKHOUSE.  (D.  15  in.  §^[$2.50  hu.)  A 
good  late  flower.  Petals  white  and  broad:  cup  clear  yel' 
low.  First-class  certificate. 

NARCISSUS  LEEDSII 

Popularly  known  as  the  "white  star  nar- 
cissus," "eucharis-flowered  narcissus,"  and 
"silver-winged  narcissus."  The  predominating 
characteristics  are  white,  spreading,  star-like 
perianth,  and  white  or  pale  sulphur  yellow 
cups.  As  now  understood  this  section  com- 
prises not  only  the  typical  Leedsii  hybrids 
but  the  white  and  sulphur  cupped  incompar- 
abilis  and  Barrii  forms,  having  white  petals. 

Leedsii  varieties  are  produced  from  cross- 
ing white  Ajax  varieties  with  N.  poeticus. 
From  the  first  mentioned  parent  they  inherit 
the  graceful  pendant  carriage  of  the  flower, 
and  from  the  latter  their  constitution  and  ro- 
bustness. They  embrace  some  of  the  most 
generally  useful  varieties. 

The  sweetly  perfumed  flowers  are  highly 
decorative  in  vases  and  bouquets.  Grown  in 
pots  (3  to  5  in  a  five-inch  pot)  the  Leedsii 
varieties  flower  well,  and  in  beds  and  borders 
they  are  most  charming;  excellent  also  when 
naturalised  in  quantity. 


MEDIUM-CROWN    HYBRIDS  159 

AGNES  HARVEY.  (D.  13  in.  §fl$8  ea.)  A  beautiful 
new  late-flowering  seedling  having  some  N.  triandrus  blood 
in  it,  which  probably  accounts  for  the  flowers  sometimes 
coming  three  on  a  stem.  Petals  pure  white  and  of  ex- 
quisite form;  cup  widely  open  at  the  mouth,  pure  white 
though  sometimes  flushed  with  rosy  apricot.  Award  of 
merit,  R.  H.  S. 

AMABILIS.  (B.  13  in.  *fl$2  hu.)  Early  and  very  free 
flowering,  large  pure  white  spreading  petals  and  a  long 
lemon-coloured  crown  toning  off  to  silvery  white. 

AMAZON.  (§^[$2.50  ea.)  A  remarkably  beautiful 
flower  of  splendid  substance  and  form.  Petals  pure  white, 
crown  lemon-yellow.  Robust  in  growth  and  free  flowering, 
often  producing  two  flowers  on  a  stem. 

ARIADNE.  (C.  15  in.  §  fl  $2.50  ea.)  New  and  of  striking 
beauty.  Cup  ivory  white,  very  large,  saucer  shaped, 
spreading  wide  at  the  mouth  and  prettily  frilled.  Perianth 
white.  Awards  of  merit,  Birmingham,  Truro,  Plymouth 
and  R.  H.  S. 

BEATRICE.  (C.  16  in.  §  ft*  $1.50  doz.)  One  of  the 
handsomest  and  most  distinctive  flowers  in  the  section. 
Snowy  white  perianth  of  graceful  campanulate  form;  cup 
globular  flesh  colour  tinted  white. 

BIANCA.  ($50  ea.)  A  new  seedling  of  beautiful  form. 
Perianth  broad  and  of  pure  white,  the  goblet-like,  prettily 
fluted  crown  is  bright  canary-yellow  with  a  green  eye. 

BRIDAL  VEIL.  (C.  §  fl  *$2  ea.)  New.  Gracefully  twist- 
ing snowy  white  petals.  Long  globular  creamy  white  cup. 
A  beautiful  drooping  flower. 

BRIDESMAID.  (C.  20  in.  §fi*$3  doz.)  A  large  and 
beautiful  flower  with  a  fairly  broad  campanulate  pure 
white  perianth,  and  a  large  globular  cream  white  cup 
well-expanded  at  the  brim. 

CONSTANCE  PIERPONT.  (B.  22  in.  §^$2.50  doz.)  Very 
early.  Strong  growth.  Perianth  pure  white ;  cup  pale  yel- 
low well-expanded  at  the  brim. 


l6o  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

DELOS.  (B.  24  in.  §  If  $2.50  doz.)  An  early,  tall,  and 
vigorous  grower:  gracefully  twisted  pure  white  petals; 
cup  citron-yellow  at  the  base.  It  flowers  in  perfection  for 
several  weeks. 

DIANA.  (17  in.  $15  ea.)  A  new  giant  flov/ered  form 
with  broad,  white,  slightly  reflexed  petals  and  a  large 
expanded  crown  of  soft  canary-yellow.  Award  of  merit, 
R.  H.  S. 

DUCHESS  OF  BRABANT.  Syn:  Circe.  (C.  fl*$i.so  hu.) 
A  popular  free-flowering  dwarf  variety  often  grown  in 
quantity  both  for  cutting  and  naturalising.  In  grass  it 
thrives  as  well  as  N.  poeticus,  charming  medium-sized 
flowers  sometimes  borne  two  or  three  on  a  stem.  Petals 
white,  small  canary  cup. 

DUCHESS  OF  WESTMINSTER.  (D.  §fl*$i.so  doz.)  This 
Queen  of  the  Leedsiis  is  a  comparatively  new  variety, 
producing  immense  handsomely  formed  flowers  on  strong 
stems.  The  petals  of  pure  white  are  very  large,  spread- 
ing and  taper  prettily  to  a  point;  the  long  cup  on  opening 
is  canary  tinged  with  orange,  but  this  colouring  soon  passes 
off  to  almost  white.  Excellent  for  pots,  flower  beds,  bor- 
ders, cutting  or  naturalising.  Late  flowering.  First-class 
certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

ELAINE.  (17  in.  $3  ea.)  New  and  very  beautiful,  with 
a  broad  silvery  white  perianth  and  a  globular  fluted  crown 
of  white,  shaded  towards  the  base  with  citron-yellow. 
First  class  certificate  R.  H.  S. 

ENID.  (§1f*$io  ea.)  New,  in  the  way  of  Mrs.  Lang- 
try  but  a  decided  improvement.  Large  snowy  white  peri- 
anth and  long  straight  sulphury-white  crinkled  crown. 
Tall. 

EOSTER.  ($15  ea.)  A  new  seedling,  producing  large 
flowers  of  perfect  form.  Perianth  white  of  much  substance. 
Crown  globular  shaded  lemon  yellow.  Award  of  merit, 
R.  H.  S. 

FAIRY  QUEEN.      (16  in.   §^$2.50  doz.)     A  remarkably 


NARCISSUS  BARRII  COXSPICUUS 

One  of  the  most  beautiful  and  generally  useful  varieties  of  the  medium-crown, 
or  cup  daffodils.  Equally  suitable  for  cut  flowers  or  for  growing  in  the  garden  border 
and  when  cut  lasts  longer  in  water  than  most  other  varieties.  Late.  Yellow  peri- 
anth; cur  yellow,  conspicuously  edged  with  orange-scarlet 


PLATE  XX 


THE  HOOP-PETTICOAT  DAFFODILS 

The  flowers  are  practically  all  trumpet  and  no  petals.  Best  suited  for  rockeries 
or  for  growing  in  pans  in  the  cool  greenhouse.  The  leaves  are  rush-like  and  the 
flowers  range  from  yellow  to  sulphur  white  (N.  Bulbocodium) 


MEDIUM-CROWN    HYBRIDS  l6l 

free-flowering  strong-growing  new  variety  with  a  pure 
white  perianth  and  a  straight,  broadly  expanded  and 
fluted  creamy  white  cup. 

GEM.     (C.  §fi$2  doz.)     One  of  the  best  of  the  section. 

Petals  broad  and  white  as  snow,  the  cup  also  is  pure  white. 

GRAND  DUCHESS.     (B.  §  fl  *  6oc  doz.)     A  new  early  with 

white  spreading  petals  and  broad  white  cup  at  first  stained 

rosy   orange :  A   prize   cut   flower. 

HEROINE.  ($125  ea.)  A  new  giant  in  this  section 
with  large  broadly  spreading  pure  white  petals  and  a 
large,  broadly  expanded  and  crinkled  crown  of  citron- 
yellow  distinctly  edged  with  apricot-orange. 

HON.  MRS.  BARTON.  (15  in.  §$2  doz.)  Very  distinct 
and  handsome.  Rather  delicate  on  some  soils — but  a  prize 
where  it  succeeds.  Perianth  large  and  broad,  purest  white; 
cup  expanded,  and  passes  from  cream  to  white. 

JANET  IMAGE.  (A.  16  in.  §fl*$4.o  ea.)  A  new  giant 
remarkably  early.  Perianth  white,  large  straight  crown 
of  lemon-yellow.  Award  of  merit,  R.  H.  S.,  also  at  Truro 
and  Birmingham. 

KATHERINE  SPURRELL.  (D.  §fi*$2  doz.)  One  of  the 
most  beautiful,  especially  as  a  cut  flower.  Flower  large, 
well  formed,  with  broad  overlapping  petals  pure  white, 
and  a  light  lemon-yellow  cup. 

LEEDSH.  (B.  15  in.  fl*$i.so  hu.)  The  type;  raised  by 
a  Dr.  Leeds,  in  honour  of  whom  the  whole  section  is  named. 
This  variety  though  superseded  by  better  sorts,  is  still 
popular  with  many  on  account  of  its  earliness  and  free- 
flowering  qualities.  Silvery  white  star-like  flowers.  Very 
fragrant. 

LADY  MCCALMONT.  (26  in.  §fl$4  ea.)  A  tall  vigor- 
ous-growing Irish  variety  with  large  flowers  four  inches 
across  of  very  lasting  quality.  Petals  twisted  and  fluted, 
pure  white;  the  broad  crimped  cup  is  white,  rimmed  with 
pale  citron.  Remains  in  flower  for  six  weeks.  Immense 
bulbs. 


I  62  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

LADY  GREGORY.  Another  vigorous  Irish  variety  with 
massive  leek-like  foliage.  The  flowers,  of  lasting  substance, 
have  pure  white  petals  and  pale  yellow  cup,  well  expanded 
and  mitred  at  the  brim. 

LORD  PALMERSTON.  Syn:  Palmerslon.  (D  §fl*  soc 
doz.)  A  charming  late-flowering  variety,  with  broad 
spreading  white  petals  and  an  elegant  canary  coloured  cup. 
Delightfully  fragrant. 

LUCIA.  (16  jn.  $10  ea.)  Resembling  Katherine  Spur- 
rel  but  said  to  be  much  better,  which  is  high  praise  in- 
deed. The  petals  of  Lucia  measure  four  inches  from  tip  to 
tip  and  are  of  pure  white;  Crown  straight,  prettily  fluted 
and  of  citron-yellow.  New. 

MADGE  MATTHEW.  (B.  18  in.  iff*  $1.50  doz.)  A  very 
distinct  early  flowering  variety  with  deep  blue-green 
foliage:  large  snow  white  perianth  and  white  cup.  Very 
effective  when  grown  in  masses  in  the  garden  or  natural- 
ised. 

MAGGIE  MAY.  Syn:  Edmond's  White.  (D.  22  in.  §  ft 
$15  ea.)  New,  late  flowering  and  one  of  the  best  in  the1 
section,  producing  flowers  of  great  size.  While  perianth, 
and  a  very  large  pale  citron  coloured  cup,  beautifully  frilled 
at  the  mouth.  Strong  grower.  First-class  certificate,  R.  H. 
S.  First-class  certificate  at  Birmingham. 

MARY  MAGDALINE  DE  GRAAFF.  (D.  §fl*$i  doz.) 
Often  catalogued  as  Mary  M.  or  M.  Magdaline  or  M.  M. 
De  Graaff.  A  distinct  late-flowering,  free-blooming 
Leedsii  with  broad  white  imbricated  petals  and  a  broadly 
expanded  cup  of  cream  yellow,  often  suffused  with  orange 
cr  terra-cotta  colour.  Usually  bears  two  flowers  to  a  stem. 
Very  effective  and  highly  scented. 

MINNIE  HUME  Syn:  Queen  of  Holland.  (C.  §  ft*  300 
doz.)  Distinct  and  beautiful.  Large  and  broad  pure 
white  petals  and  a  widely  expanded  pale  lemon  cup,  rim- 
med at  first  with  a  deeper  shade,  but  eventually  passing 
to  pure  white.  First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 


MEDIUM-CROWN    HYBRIDS  163 

Miss  WEISSE.  (B.  20  in.  $4  doz.)  One  of  the  earliest 
of  the  section.  Vigorous  grower,  with  rather  pendulous 
flowers,  sweetly  perfumed.  Petals  pure  white  and  much 
channelled;  cup  pale  citron. 

MOUNTAIN  MAID.  (C.  15  in.  §ff*$i  ea.)  Although 
iccent  it  is  already  a  great  favourite;  a  flower  of  graceful 
drooping  habit  with  broad  snowy  white  petals  and  a  pure 
white  cup. 

MRS.  LANGTRY.  (D.  §fl*$2.so  hu.)  One  of  the  best. 
Remarkably  free,  late-flowering  variety  generally  bearing 
several  flowers  to  a  stem  and  two  or  more  flower  stems  to 
a  bulb.  The  pure  white  petals  are  very  wide,  and  the 
large  wide-mouthed  cup  opens  canary-yellow  but  soon 
changes  to  white.  Sometimes,  but  not  always,  edged 
distinctly  with  bright  yellow.  This  lovely  narcissus 
should  be  grown  in  quantity  for  its  effect  in  the  garden 
border  and  also  where  cut  flowers  are  desired.  First- 
class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

NIOBE.  (20  in.  fl*$i.5o  ea.)  A  distinct  drooping  flower 
strongly  perfumed.  Petals  of  pure  white  tapering  to  a 
point  and  gracefully  twisted,  and  much  grooved:  cup  pale 
citron  and  beautifully  mitred  at  the  brim. 

PEACH.  (C.  13  in.  §fl*$i  ea.)  This  with  Salmonetta 
at  present  comprise  the  apricot  crowned  Leedsiis.  A  new 
break  in  colouring.  Peach  produces  flowers  of  remarkably 
good  quality  and  beauty.  Perianth  pure  white  and  slightly 
shouldered.  Crown  apricot-orange  long,  straight,  prettily 
fluted. 

PHYLLIS.  ($1.50  ea.)  Large  pure  white  petals;  straight 
fluted  crown  of  canary-yellow,  shaded  amber. 

PRINCESS  MAUDE.  (B.  §fl*$i.so  ea.)  Has  a  short, 
broad,  rather  campanulate  white  perianth  with  a  large 
globular  cream-coloured  crown.  New. 

PRINCESS  OF  WALES.  (D.  §fi*  $i  doz.)  A  small  star- 
like  silvery  white  perianth  but  a  very  large  cup,  spreading 
and  elegantly  frilled:  A  late-flowering  gem. 


164  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

SALMONETTA.  (D.  14  in.  §fl*$3  ea.)  A  remarkably 
distinct  and  beautiful  break  in  the  Leedsii  family.  This, 
with  "Peach"  form  a  new  branch  known  as  the  "Apricot- 
Crowned  Leedsiis."  Salmonetta  has  almond  shaped  clear 
white  petals  and  a  well  opened  prettily  fluted  cup 
of  orange  passing  off  into  peach;  a  distinct  and  remark- 
able colouration.  Award  of  Merit,  Birmingham. 

SUPERBUS.  (75C  doz.)  White  petals  drooping  over 
the  long  creamy  yellow  crown. 

SYLVIA.  (D.  18  in.  $2.50  ea.)  A  dainty  pendant  flower 
with  gracefully  twisted  pure  white  petals  and  a  small 
cup  of  white  flushed  with  peach. 

THE  SISTERHOOD.  (D.  20  in.  §  ft*  $2.50  ea.)  New; 
vigorous  and  floriferous,  often  bearing  two  and  three 
flowers  on  a  stem.  A  distinct  and  attractive  flower  with 
white  petals  and  fluted  cup  of  pale  buff,  changing  to  white. 

UNA.  (D.  18  in.  §fl*$2.50  ea.)  A  new  and  exquisite 
flower  of  great  size;  large  cream-white  petals  and  long 
straight  crown  of  bright  citron.  A  vigorous  grower  and 
free  late  bloomer. 

UNDINE.  ($25  ea.)  A  remarkably  new  seedling,  with 
a  snowy  white  bell-like  perianth  and  a  straight  deeply 
fluted  crown  of  creamy-white. 

WHITE  LADY.  (§f*$z>5O  ea.)  Perfect  form;  broad 
white  petals  and  a  crinkled  pale  canary  cup.  Award  of 
merit,  R.  H.  S. 

WHITE  QUEEN.  (§^$25  ea.)  Practically  a  white  Sir 
Watkin.  A  strong  sturdy  grower:  large  broad  pure  white 
petals  and  a  large  bold  straight  cup  of  pale  citron  pas- 
sing to  white.  The  brim  of  the  cup  is  prettily  frilled. 
First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

NARCISSUS  MONTANUS 
Narcissus  montanus,    (C.  j[  *  $2.50  doz,) 
also  known  as  poculiformis  and  popularly  as 


MEDIUM-CROWN    HYBRIDS  165 

the  "drooping  silver  star"  narcissus,  known  to 
cultivators  for  more  than  200  years,  is  a  wild 
hybrid,  said  to  be  a  native  of  damp  Pyrenean 
valleys,  and  forms  another  monotypic  section. 
Its  parentage  is  supposed  to  be  N.  moschatus 
crossed  either  with  N.  poetlcus  or  N.  dubius 
(a  Tazetta  variety).  The  drooping  "swan's 
neck"  character  of  moschatus  distinguishes 
it  from  the  Leedsii.  The  flower  has  a  star- 
shaped  perianth  of  pure  white  and  a  white 
cup.  The  flowers,  while  not  large,  about  two 
and  one-half  inches  from  tip  to  tip  of  perianth 
petals,  are  of  distinctive  form  when  well 
grown  and  very  interesting.  They  are  fre- 
quently borne  two  to  a  stem.  Rather  difficult 
to  grow. 

NARCISSUS  MACLEAII 

A  distinct  type  also  known  as  Diomedes 
minor  and  Panza  bicolor.  (D.  4  in.  §  fl  $1.50 
doz.)  A  very  pretty  and  distinct  dwarf- 
growing,  small-flowering  type  aptly  described 
as  a  "baby  bi-colour."  It  is  an  old-time  hy- 
brid of  unknown  origin,  received  from  France 
in  1819.  The  flower  is  composed  of  milk- 
white  imbricated  petals  about  three-fourths 
of  an  inch  long,  and  a  bright  golden  yellow 


1 66  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

goblet-shaped  crown  half  an  inch  long. 
Though  small  in  all  its  parts  it  is  a  healthy, 
vigorous  plant,  flowering  freely,  and  equally 
valuable  whether  grown  in  pots,  beds,  or 
naturalised. 

NARCISSUS  BARRII 

A  connecting  link  between  the  longer 
incomparabilis  group  and  the  smaller  crowned 
poeticus  and  Burbidgei  types.  They  are  gar- 
den hybrids  of  various  forms  but  all  have  a 
yellow  and  usually  orange  or  reddish  rimmed, 
wide-mouthed  crown,  the  depth  of  which  is 
one-fourth  to  one-third  the  length  of  the 
spreading  star-like  petals. 

Barrii  forms  are  produced  by  crossing  N. 
poeticus  with  an  Ajax  variety,  though  a  N. 
poeticus  and  a  N.  incomparabilis  cross  will 
produce  flowers  of  both  Barrii  and  Burbidgei 
forms. 

The  flowers  of  the  Barriis  while  usually 
smaller  than  those  of  incomparabilis  varieties 
are  of  refined  and  beautiful  form  and  are  usu- 
ally carried  "nose-up." 

Well  suited  for  pot  culture — three  to  five 
bulbs  in  a  pot — while  for  beds,  borders,  natur- 


MEDIUM-CROWN    HYBRIDS  167 

alising,  and  as  cut  flowers,    they    are  highly 
prized. 

ALBATROSS.  (D.  18  in.  §  fl$2  ea.)  A  late  large,  spread- 
ing eucharis-like  flower  with  white  petals  and  a  prettily 
frilled  pale  citron  yellow  cup  conspicuously  edged  with 
orange-red.  First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

BULLFINCH.  (D.  $1.50  ea.)  New.  Broad,  creamy 
white  petals  and  a  pretty  crenulate-formed  yellow  cup 
deeply  rimmed  reddish  orange. 

CECILY  HILL.  (D.  19  in.  je,c  ea.)  Late  flowering,  and  very 
beautiful.  Stiff  white  perianth,  flushed  cream-yellow  at  the 
base;  cup  yellow,  shaded  orange  and  edged  cinnabar-red. 

CONSPICUUS.  (D.  20  in.  §  fl  *  £oc  doz.)  This  "queen 
of  the  chalice  cups"  is  a  general  favorite  and  one  of  the 
best  of  the  section.  A  strong  robust  grower  and  very  free, 
late  bloomer.  The  flowers  are  large,  of  refined  and  beauti- 
ful form  and  splendid  substance,  lasting  in  water  longer 
than  almost  any  other  narcissus.  Broad  soft  yellow  petals; 
short  wide-mouthed  cup  of  yellow  with  a  distinct  rim  of 
orange-scarlet.  First-class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

CROWN  PRINCE.  (C.  20  in.  §ff*$2  doz.)  Sturdy 
grower,  with  a  large  handsome  flower.  Petals  white,  large 
yellow  cup,  heavily  stained  orange-red. 

CUPID.  (E.  18  in.  $2.50  doz.)  Very  late — the  last  of 
the  Barriis  to  flower  and  valuable  for  succession.  Perianth 
white;  cup  yellow,  flushed  apricot.  Very  sweetly  scented. 

DOROTHY  E.  WEMYSS.  (E.  22  in.  §  fl$$  doz.)  By  some 
considered  the  best  of  the  Barrii  section.  A  strong-growing 
late-blooming  variety.  Petals  pure  white,  long  and  wide; 
Cup  canary-yellow,  conspicuously  edged  with  orange-red. 
Award  of  merit,  R.  H.  S.,  and  Floral  certificate,  Daf- 
fodil Conference.  « 

DR.  FELL.  (A.  §1f$i.so  doz.)  Extra  early  flowering 
and  better  adapted  for  pot  culture  and  forcing  than  for 
open-air  culture  in  cold  climates  as  the  buds  often  get 


I  68  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

frosted  and  fail  to  expand  perfectly,  though  in  mild 
climates  it  does  well.  Petals  sulphur  white,  cup  soft 
yellow  with  a  pronounced  reddish  tinge. 

FLORA  WILSON.  (D.  20  in.  §1J*$i  doz.)  A  very  tel- 
ling flower.  Perianth  pure  white.  Cup  canary  deeply 
rimmed  orange-red. 

GENERAL  MURRAY,  (f  $1.50  hu.)  Perianth  creamy- 
white;  cup  canary,  shaded  orange.  Very  free  flowering 
and  useful  for  masses  and  naturalising  in  grass. 

GLITTER.  (D.  $i  ea.)  A  beautiful  new  seedling;  flower 
of  fine  substance,  rich  yellow  petals  broad  and  well  rounded. 
Crown  deeply  edged  with  orange-red. 

GOLDEN  GEM.  (E.  15  in.  fl$4  hu.)  Very  late,  free 
blooming,  prized  for  succession.  Small  but  showy  flowers 
with  rich  yellow  petals  and  yellow  cup  edged  orange. 

GOLDEN  MARY.  (D.  ^$2.50  hu.)  Dwarf  and  late. 
Primrose-yellow  perianth  with  golden  cup. 

LADY  GODIVA.  Syn:  Barbara  Holmes.  (D.  20  in.  §  If  *  $2 
doz.)  Sport  from  Barii  conspicuus  and  having  white 
petals  instead  of  yellow.  Award  of  merit,  R.  H.  S. 

MAURICE  VILMORIN.  (C.  13  in.  §  ft*  $1.50  doz.) 
Beautiful  flowers  with  broad  creamy  white  petals  and  a 
rather  long  lemon-yellow  cup  stained  orange-red  at  the 
brim. 

MIRIAM  BARTON.  (C.  15  in.  ff  *  3oc  doz.)  Popular  for 
cutting  purposes,  beautiful  flowers  of  a  distinct  delicate 
shade  of  soft  primrose-yellow  throughout. 

MRS.  C.  BOWLEY.  (D.  20  in.  §fl*$i.2s  doz.)  A  very 
good  flower,  white  petals  and  striking  orange-red  cup. 
Floral  certificate,  Daffodil  Conference. 

MRS.  R.  C.  NOTCUTT.  (D.  15  in.  §U*$6  ea.)  New 
and  extra  good.  Long,  broad,  snow-white  petals;  cup 
buff  and  orange,  prettily  crinkled. 

OCCIDENT.  (14  in.  $35  ea.)  A  new  Barrii  with  flowers 
of  perfect  form,  flat  perianth  petals  of  anary-cyellow ;  crown 
fiery  orange  clear  to  the  base.  Award  of  Merit,  R.  H.  S. 


PLATE  XXI 


NARCISSUS  LEEDSII  VARIETIES 

Beatrice,  star-petalled,  with  very  short  crown;  and  Duchess  of  Westminster,  with, 
larger  crown  and  broader  petals.  Two  flowers  of  the  large  trumpet  daffodil  Grace 
Darling  are  added  for  comparison.  The  Leedsii  varieties  are  white  forms  of  the 
incomparabilis  and  Barrii  sections;  i.  e.,  white,  with  sulphur  cups 


ft 


MEDIUM-CROWN    HYBRIDS  169 

ORPHEE.  Syn:  conspicuus  minor.  (B.  18  in.  §  fl  *  300 
doz.)  Useful  as  an  early  cut  flower.  Perianth  canary- 
yellow;  cup  yellow,  heavily  edged  reddish  orange. 

SEA  GULL.  (B.  21  in.  §fl*$i.5o  ea.)  Large  spreading 
pure  white  petals  and  a  canary  cup  edged  apricot.  Very 
beautiful.  Early. 

SENSATION.  (D.  20  in.  §^$3  doz.)  Late  flowering, 
large  pure  white  petals  and  canary-yellow  cup,  heavily 
rimmed  with  orange  scarlet.  A  beautiful  cut  flower  but 
should  be  taken  when  the  bud  is  half  open  and  allowed  to 
develop  with  the  stem  in  water.  In  this  way  the  brilliant 
colouring  is  preserved. 

SIDDINGTON.  (D.  18  in.  *fl  $2  doz.)  A  remarkably  free- 
blooming  late  variety,  generally  producing  two  flowers 
on  a  stem;  petals  yellow;  cup  yellow,  open,  broadly  mar- 
gined orange-red. 

NARCISSUS  BERNARDI 

Wild  Pyrenean  hybrids,  found  wherever 
the  wild  poeticus  and  N.  abscissus  or  N.  vari- 
formis  are  growing  together.  The  flowers 
have  spreading  white  petals  twice  as  long  as 
the  yellow  cup  and  vary  much  in  form  but 
selections  from  the  wild  are  offered  under  the 
names  and  descriptions  following. 

BERNARDI.  (type)  (D.  fl*$i  doz.)  Late  flowering. 
Perianth  white.  Cup  varies  in  size  and  colour  from  yellow 
to  orange  and  sometimes  stained  scarlet. 

FIRE  GLOW,  (ff  12  in.  $2  ea.)  Perianth  snowy  white, 
cup  glowing  crimson  the  colour  lasting  well  in  the  sun. 

H.  E.  BUXTON.  (D.  15  in.  fl  *  ysc  ea.)  A  specially 
meritorious  collected  form  with  white  petals  and  a  bril- 
liant orange-scarlet  cup.  Very  beautiful  and  remarkably 
free  blooming. 


CHAPTER  XIII 

THE  PHEASANT'S  EYE  AND  POET'S  HYBRID 

NARCISSUS 

THE  poet's  narcissus  with  its  white  petals 
and  red-rimmed  shallow  cup  is  familiar  to 
all  of  us.  It  has  been  very  freely  used  by  hy- 
bridisers,  and  its  influence  is  apparent  in  many 
of  the  medium-crowned  sections  discussed 
in  the  preceding  chapter.  It  has  lately  also 
become  one  parent  of  the  interesting  and  very 
promising  new  poetaz  hybrids,  referred  to  in 
the  following  chapter. 

On  account  of  their  close  resemblance  in 
form  of  cup  (which  is  but  very  little  deeper) , 
the  varieties  forming  the  Burbidgei  and 
Englehearti  sections  are  grouped  together 
with  poeticus. 

NARCISSUS  POETICUS 

The  poet's  or  pheasant's  eye  narcissus  is  a 
native  of  Southern  Europe,  and  especially  the 
Mediterranean  region.  It  is  distinguished  by 
170 


THE  PHEASANT'S  EYE  171 

white  petals  surrounding  a  small  flattened 
saucer-shaped  cup  not  more  than  one-quar- 
ter the  length  of  the  petal,  and  edged  more  or 
less  conspicuously  with  carmine.  All  varie- 
ties and  hybrids  of  N.  poeticus  are  especially 
suitable  for  naturalising  and  for  growing  in 
garden  borders;  but  for  pot  culture  and  win- 
ter forcing  the  earlier  flowering  varieties  only 
are  suitable  and  even  they  must  be  grown  cool. 
Heat  causes  the  flowers  to  "go  blind,"  i.  e. 
the  sheath  does  not  burst  open. 

ALMIRA.  Syn:  King  Edward  VII.  (C.  15  in.  iff*  $1.50 
doz.)  A  new  and  beautiful  large  flowered  poeticus  with 
broad  rounded  snowy  white  petals  of  good  substance.  The 
cup  of  canary-yellow  is  broadly  rimmed  with  deep  red. 
Of  taller  growth,  equally  as  early  as,  and  even  better  for 
forcing  than  ornatus. 

ANGUSTIFOLIUS.  Syn:  radiflorus.  (C.  f$i  hu.)  An 
early  flowering  form  selected  from  among  the  wild  Pyre- 
nean  types,  with  narrow  white  perianth  petals  and  orange- 
margined  cup.  Can  be  forced  into  bloom  ten  days  before 
ornatus.  It  does  finely  naturalised. 

CASSANDRA.  (D.  17  in.  $i  ea.)  A  new,  very  large 
flowering  variety;  tall,  vigorous  grower;  flowers  of  good 
substance.  Petals  broad,  wide-spreading,  of  clear  white; 
cup  yellow  deeply  rimmed  with  dark  red.  Award  of 
Merit,  R.  H.  S. 

CHAUCER.  (D.  *$i  ea.)  New,  early.  Well  rounded 
large  flat  white  petals,  cup  edged  with  bright  scarlet. 

DANTE.  (19  in.  $1.50  ea.)  A  new  and  beautiful  large 
flowered  poeticus  with  broad-petalled  perianth  of  pure 


172  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

•white;  cup  citron-yellow  edged  with  purplish  red.  First- 
class  certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

EPIC.  (E.  $2  ea.)  New,  large,  and  solid  flower,  broad 
petals  of  white ;  cup  flat,  deeply  edged  with  blood-crimson ; 
fragrant. 

GLORY.  (D.  16  in.  §H$2  ea.)  A  new  variety,  having 
enormous  flowers ;  the  largest  in  the  poeticus  section,  su- 
perior even  to  poeticus  grandiflorus  in  size,  shape,  form, 
and  colour.  Petals  pure  white ;  cup  yellow-edged  with  red. 
First-class  certificate,  Manchester. 

GRANDIFLORUS.  (E.  19  in.  §fi$2  doz.)  The  giant 
poet's  narcissus.  Large  flowering  vigorous  variety  twice 
as  large  as  ornatus.  Petals  pure  white;  cup  very  broad, 
yellow  suffused  with  crimson. 

HOMER.  (D.  §ff*$2  ea.)  New,  large  with  broad  petal- 
led  flower  similar  to  Poetarum.  First-class  certificate. 

MARVEL.  (F.  15  in.  f$i-25  doz.)  Late  flowering. 
Has  a  small,  distended  bladder-like  spath.  Petals,  pure 
white;  cup  yellowish,  margined  with  saffron. 

ORNATUS.  (D.  13  in.  §11*  $2  hu.)  Early  free-flower- 
ing, robust-growing  variety  with  large  handsome  round 
white  petalled  flowers  and  yellow  cups  brimmed  with  red. 
Blooms  three  to  four  weeks  earlier  than  the  common 
poeticus,  is  good  for  massing  in  borders,  naturalising  in 
grass  and  for  cutting.  It  forces  easily  if  grown  cool. 

POETARUM.  (E.  14  in.  fl*$2.50  hu.)  Distinct  large- 
flowering  old  favourite  sort  with  broad  "paper  white" 
petals;  cup  large  orange-scarlet. 

PRAECOX.  Syns:  praecox  grandiflorus,  grandis-praecox. 
(C.  18  in.  §  H  *  SQC  doz.)  Earliest  flowering  of  the  poeti- 
cus group;  ten  days  earlier  than  ornatus  and  can  be 
forced  into  bloom  by  Christmas  if  desired ;  blooms  out-of- 
doors  in  April.  Flowers  large;  petals  pure  white;  cup- 
yellow  edged  with  crimson.  It  is  a  free  seed  bearer. 

PYRENEAN  POETICUS.  (D.  &  E.  18  in.  fl*$2.so  hu.) 
Collected  forms  or  their  progeny  varying  much  in  shape, 


THE    PHEASANT'S    EYE  173 

size  and  time  of  flowering.  Especially  adapted  for  natural- 
ising; some  very  beautiful  sorts  may  be  selected  from 
among  them. 

RECURVIS.  (F.  15  in.  *ff$i.5o  hu.)  The  ccmmon,  or 
"Pheasant's  Eye"  poeticus,  popular  in  gardens  and  natur- 
alised. Flowers  late  in  May  and  will  not  force.  Petals 
pure  white;  cup  saffron  yellow  margined  with  deep 
orange-red,  very  sweet-scented. 

THE  BRIDE.  (E.  $10  ea.)  New.  Flower  of  much  sub- 
stance. Petals,  broad,  snowy  white;  cup,  brilliant  red. 

TWIN  FLOWER.  (D.  16  in.  fl*$i.5o  doz.)  Seedling,  in- 
variably bearing  two  pretty  typical  poeticus  flowers  on 
one  stem. 

VERBANENSIS.  (F.  8  in.  $i  doz.)  Dwarf-growing  type 
from  the  Lago  Maggiore;  flowers  late. 

NARCISSUS    BIFLORUS 

Properly  known  as  the  "Twin-flowered 
poeticus"  and  in  olden  times  as  "Parkinson's 
Primrose  Peerless  daffodil."  The  type  is 
usually  considered  to  be  a  natural  hybrid  be- 
tween N.  Tazetta  and  N.  poeticus,  as  it  is 
often  found  wild  where  the  two  species  grow 
in  close  proximity  in  France,  Italy,  and 
through  the  Tyrol  to  Switzerland.  It  has 
been  aptly  called  "the  extreme  northern  form 
of  Tazetta  as  it  approaches  poeticus."  The 
flowers,  while  of  poeticus  formation  and 
colouring,  minus  the  red  brimmed  cup,  are 
borne  Tazetta-like  in  clusters  of  two  or  three 


174  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

— though  seldom  more  than  two  on  one  stem. 
The  exceptionally  sweet  perfume  of  N.  bi- 
florus  suggests  Tazetta  influence,  though  as 
Parkinson  says,  the  fragrance  is  less  "stuff- 
ing." The  forms  vary  and  though  selections 
have  been  made  under  cultivation  none  have, 
we  believe,  been  accepted  as  sufficiently  dis- 
tinct to  be  called  true  botanical  varieties. 
There  is  some  difference  horticulturally,  how- 
ever, between  the  following: 

BIFLORUS.  (E.  15  in.  ff*$i  hu.)  The  type.  Petals, 
cream-white  or  sometimes  light  primrose  coloured;  cup, 
yellow.  Good  for  naturalising  and  as  a  cut  flower. 

BIFLORUS  HYBRIDUS.  (E.  18  in.  fi*$2  doz.)  A  selection 
from  collected  bulbs,  truss  many  flowered;  the  flowers 
larger  than  the  type. 

NARCISSUS   BURBIDGEI 

Small-cupped  hybrids  between  incompara- 
bilis  and  poeticus,  selected  from  other  sec- 
tions and  having  a  close  resemblance  to  N.  po- 
eticus. The  cup  in  these  Burbidgei  forms  is 
about  one  fourth  the  length  of  the  petals,  a 
trifle  longer  than  but  not  quite  so  flat  as 
in  N.  poeticus.  Other  distinguishing  feat- 
ures of  Burbidgei  are  the  greater  range  of 


THE  PHEASANT'S  EYE  175 

colouring  in  the  petals,  which  run  into  yellow, 
and  an  earlier  flowering  season. 

The  varieties  of  this  section  are  healthy, 
vigorous  growing  and  produce  beautiful  flow- 
ers. They  are  well  suited  for  either  pot 
culture,  beds,  borders  or  naturalising.  The 
flowers  are  particularly  attractive  when  cut 
but  should  be  cut  when  the  the  buds  are  but 
half  expanded,  for  like  all  red  or  ruddy  rim- 
med narcissus,  the  vivid  colouring  fades  with 
age  or  when  long  exposed  to  strong  sun.  The 
best  flowers  are  produced  on  good,  fairly 
strong,  moist  loam. 

AGNES  BARR.  (C.  16  in.  ff*$z.5o  hu.)  An  exquisite 
flower;  petals,  creamy  white;  cup,  yellow. 

BURBIDGEI.  (C.  13  in.  §11*  $1.50  hu.)  The  type. 
Early  flowering.  Petals,  clear  white;  cup,  light  yellow, 
rimmed  with  reddish-orange. 

BARONESS  HEATH.  (C.  18  in.  ff*$2.5o  hu.)  Very  dis- 
tinct. Flowers  drooping;  petals,  yellow:  cup,  yellow  tinged 
with  orange  deepening  to  red  at  the  brim.  Foliage,  deep 
blue-green. 

BEACON.  (C.  $5  ea.)  Beautiful  new  variety.  Petals, 
circular  shaped,  cream-white;  cup,  fiery-red.  First-class 
certificate,  R.  H.  S. 

BEATRICE  HASELTINE.  (E.  15  in.  $2  doz.)  Beautiful 
late  bloomer.  Petals,  creamy-white;  cup,  flat,  canary 
coloured,  edged  with  orange-scarlet. 

BERNICE.  (C.  8  in.  $2  ea.)  Petals,  pointed,  creamy- 
white;  cup,  funnel-shaped,  deep  blood-red  to  the  base. 


176  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

Narrow,  grass-like  foliage.  Thrives  best  in  a  sheltered 
situation  which  faces  north. 

BLOOD  ORANGE.  (§11  $2  ea.)  New  and  very  showy. 
Petals,  broad,  cream  colored;  cup,  brilliant  orange-red. 

CHERRY  RIPE.  (D.  13  in.  $2  ea.)  A  new  and  attractive 
variety.  Petals,  snowy  white;  cup,  vivid  orange-scarlet, 
broadly  edged  with  bright  red. 

CROWN  PRINCESS.  (C.  15  in.  U*$s  doz.)  Very  beauti- 
ful form.  Petals,  sulphury-yellow  shading  to  pure  white; 
cup,  canary,  edged  rich  orange. 

ELLEN  BARR.  (C.  18  in.  §  U  *  soc  doz.)  Petals,  broad, 
snow-white;  cup,  citron,  stained  orange-scarlet.  Very 
effective  when  grown  in  masses. 

FALSTAFF.  (C.  16  in.  §  H  *  $2.50  hu.)  Petals,  pure  white; 
cup,  lemon  coloured  with  orange  rim.  Flowers  of  splendid 
form,  excellent  for  cutting,  and  when  massed  the  snowy- 
white  effect  is  very  beautiful. 

FIREBRAND.  (C.  17  in.  If  *$2  ea.)  New  variety,  remark- 
able for  the  brilliant  colouring  of  the  prettily  fluted  cup, 
which  is  an  intense  fiery-red.  Petals,  cream-white  shading 
to  lemon  at  the  base. 

FRAILTY.  (C.I4  in.  H  *  $2.50  ea.)  Charmingly  quaint, 
pendent  flower  with  gracefully  twisted,  snow-white  petals; 
cup,  large,  open,  yellow,  edged  with  bright-red. 

HAROLD  HODGE.  (C.  18  in.  §fl*$i  ea.)  New.  Petals, 
white;  cup,  small,  yellow  edged,  red. 

HYACINTH.  ($1.50  ea.)  Petals,  snowy-white;  cup, 
spreading,  lemon-yellow. 

JOHN  BAIN.  (B.  15  in.  §1i*5oc  doz.)  An  old,  reliable, 
favourite.  The  flower  is  large  and  of  good  substance.  Petals 
white;  cup,  small,  citron-yellow.  It  blooms  early  and 
freely;  forces  easily;  is  a  good  cut  flower,  whether  grown 
under  glass  or  out  of  doors;  very  effective  for  massing  in 
beds,  borders  and  naturalising. 

LADY  ISABEL.  ($2  ea.)  Stiff,  erect  habit,  with  highly 
colored  flower.  Petals,  reflexed,  creamy-white;  cup,  »aucer 


THE    PHEASANT'S   EYE  177 

shaped,  light  yellow,  deeply  edged  and  shaded  with  in- 
tense scarlet. 

LITTLE  DIRK.  (D.  17  in.,  500.  doz.)  A  small-flowered 
variety.  Petals,  neat,  cowslip  yellow;  cup,  bright  orange- 
red. 

LITTLE  DORRIT.,  (C.  21  in.  §  fl*$a  ea.)  New  A  small 
flower.  Petals,  white;  cup,  small,  flat  orange-red. 

MERCEDES.  (D.  ft* $1.50  ea.)  A  drooping  flower  with 
twisted  snow-white  petals;  cup,  spreading,  yellow  edged, 
bright  red. 

MRS.  KRELAGE.  (E.  750.  doz.)  A  very  late  blooming 
variety  (May).  Petals,  reflexed,  white;  cup,  broad,  flat, 
serrated,  citron-yellow  flushed  with  orange. 

ORIFLAMME.  (§fi$4ea.)  Showy,  new  variety.  Petals, 
creamy-white;  cup,  fiery-scarlet.  Award  of  Merit,  R.  H.  S. 
and  at  Birmingham. 

OVID.  (C.  $1.50  doz.)  Petals,  opening,  yellow  fading 
to  white;  cup,  saucer  shaped,  three- fourths  of  an  inch 
across,  beautifully  crimped,  rich  yellow,  heavily  stained 
with  orange. 

PRINCESS  LOUISE.  A  beautiful  flower  with  large  white 
perianth  and  widely  expanded  cup  of  rich  orange,  passing 
off  apricot. 

PROMETHEUS.  ($6  ea.)  The  flowers,  sometimes  borne 
in  pairs.  Petals,  rich,  satiny-yellow,  paling  with  age;  cup, 
saucer-shaped,  crimped,  rich  scarlet  almost  one  inch  across; 
foliage,  broad  and  massive. 

R'OSALIND.  (E.  13  in.  §  ft* $2  ea.)  A  new  and  handsome, 
late  variety  with  pendent  flowers.  Petals,  pure  white,  broad 
and  inclined  to  reflex;  cup,  bright  yellow,  deeply  rimmed 
with  fiery-scarlet.  A  strong  grower. 

SCARLET  EYE.  ($5  ea.)  A  fine  new  Burbidgei.  Petals 
pure  white  and  of  good  substance;  cup  of  vivid  orange- 
scarlet. 

SCARLETTA.  ($io  ea.)  A  showy,  new  seedling  with 
cream-colored  perianth,  and  a  fluted  cup  of  glowing  scarlet. 


178  DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 

SCEPTRE.  (D.  14  in.  §ff$io  ea.)  New  and  beautiful 
variety.  Petals,  cream-yellow;  cup,  prettily  fluted  and 
of  bright  reddish  orange. 

ST.  JOHN'S  BEAUTY.  (C.  20  in.  U*$i.so  doz.)  A  large, 
loose  but  showy,  flower;  petals,  chanelled,  sulphur-white; 
cup,  beautifully  frilled,  yellow,  edged  with  orange-red. 

THE  PET.  (E.  14  in.  $1.50  doz.)  A  dwarf,  erect 
grower  with  a  prim  little  flower  of  perfect  form.  Petals, 
firm  and  almost  pure  white;  cup,  citron-yellow  with  a 
protruding  pistil. 

VANESSA.  (C.  16  in.  fi*$2.$o  hu.)  Small,  compact, 
symmetrical  and  attractive  flowers.  Petals,  pale-yellow; 
cup,  small,  flatly  expanded,  orange  tinged  reddish.  Very 
fragrant.  Sometimes  called  "yellow  poeticus." 

VIVID.  (D.  15  in.  $6  ea.)  New  and  very  showy  flower. 
Petals  ivory-white;  cup,  large,  saucer-shaped,  fiery  orange- 
red,  the  colour  holding  well.  A  strong,  free  grower. 

NARCISSUS    ENGLEHEARTII 


Hybrids,  in  which  the  poeticus  influence 
predominates;  practically  Burbidgei  forms 
with  more  fluted  flat  cups  that  may  be  likened 
to  ruffled  discs.  Some  of  the  varieties  indeed 
have  been  plucked  from  among  the  Burbid- 
geis;  others  are  direct  crosses  by  Rev.  G. 
Engleheart. 


ASTRADENTE.  ($25  ea.)  A  new,  large  and  beautiful 
flower,  with  a  white  perianth  and  a  very  large  flat  crown 
of  reddish-orange  edged  with  bright  red.  Award  of  Merit, 
R.  H.  S. 


THE    PHEASANT'S    EYE  179 

CRESSET.  (C.  15  in.  $12  ea.)  New  flower  of  perfect  form 
With  large,  broad,  round,  white  petals,  and  a  flat  golden 
cup  heavily  edged  with  vivid  scarlet 

CONCORD.  (15  in.  $25  ea.)  A  grand  new  variety  of 
perfect  form,  with  broad,  rounded  perianth  petals  of  deep 
canary-yellow;  crown,  large,  widely  expanded  at  the 
mouth,  and  of  a  deep  golden-yellow,  heavily  edged  with 
fiery  orange-red. 

EGRET.  (D.  §U$2S  ea.)  Finely  formed,  broad  petals  of 
pure  white,  and  a  very  large,  flattened,  fluted  cup  over  one 
inch  in  diameter  of  lemon-yellow,  shaded  and  margined 
with  gold.  Award  of  Merit,  Birmingham. 

GOLD  EYE.  (§  fl$3  ea.)  New  and  very  excellent  variety. 
Petals,  pure  white,  and  large  disk-like  crown  prettily  fluted 
and  margined  with  orange-red.  Award  of  Merit,  Birming- 
ham. 

INCOGNITO.  (C.  §fli6  in.  $30  ea.)  A  new,  large  and 
very  durable  flower,  with  flat,  white  petals  and  flattened, 
frilled  crown  of  bright  yellow,  margined  with  apricot- 
orange. 

ROYAL  STAR.  ($10  ea.)  A  magnificent  new  Engle- 
heartii,  with  large,  showy,  lasting  flowers,  four  and  a  half 
inches  across.  Perianth,  creamy-yellow  maturing  white; 
crown,  large,  flat  and  fluted  orange-yellow  changing  to  fiery 
orange-red.  A  tall,  robust  grower. 

POLESTAR.  (D.  §H  $3  ea.)  New  and  large,  late-flowering 
variety.  Petals  white,  four  inches  across;  cup,  large,  flat 
and  prettily  fluted ;  canary-yellow. 

SEQUIN.  (D.  12  in.  §11*  $3  doz.)  A  very  distinct  and 
beautiful  new  seedling,  with  snowy-white  petals  and  a  very 
large  golden  cup,  flattened  against  the  petals. 

THISBE.  (18  in.  §  ft*  $1.50  ea.)  A  very  beautiful  flower 
with  slightly  reflexed,  white  petals;  cup  large,  spreading, 
flattened  against  the  petals;  canary-yellow  margined  with 
orange-red. 


CHAPTER  XIV 

THE  SWEET  SCENTED  JONQUILS  AND  CAM- 
PERNELLES 

REGARDED  from  a  garden  standpoint,  the 
jonquils  form  a  characteristic  group.  They 
are  all  cluster-flowered,  deep  yellow  colour, 
most  deliciously  scented  and  of  a  slender 
growth  with  round,  rush-like  foliage.  In 
some  of  the  hybrid  forms  that  are  included  in 
this  present  grouping  the  flowers  may  be 
borne  as  few  as  two  on  a  stem.  They  show  a 
remarkable' range  of  variation. 

NARCISSUS  JONQUILLA.  (E.  14  in.  §fl$2  hu.)'  The  true, 
sweet-scented,  single  jonquil.  A  species  indigenous  to 
sections  in  Southern  Europe,  varying  in  habit  according  to 
environment,  and  in  consequence  several  typical  selections 
from  the  wild  are  known  as  N.  Jonqullla,  var.  minor,  stel- 
lario,  etc.  But  as  "collected  bulbs"  are,  I  believe,  no  longer 
marketed,  and  as  the  bulb  growers'  "types"  are  fairly  well 
selected,  I  will  go  no  further  into  their  delicate 
distinctions.  The  single  jonquil  is  well  known  and  highly 
prized  as  a  cut  flower  for  growing  in  pots,  and  it  does  well 
out  of  doors  if  planted  in  a  protected,  warm,  sunny  situa- 
tion, in  well-drained  or  raised  beds  of  rich  soil.  It  blooms 
late  in  the  season.  The  deliciously  fragrant,  rich  yellow 
180 


SWEET-SCENTED   JONQUILS  l8l 

small  flowers  are  usually  borne  in  pairs  though  sometimes 
in  clusters  of  as  many  as  six.  There  is  a  double  form  also. 

N.  JUNCIFOLIUS.  The  Baby  Jonquil.  (D.  4  in.  §  fi  $2.50 
hu.)  Very  much  like  the  preceding  but  smaller;  indeed  it 
is  the  smallest  narcissus  known,  with  little  buttercup- 
like  flowers,  only  three-fourths  of  an  inch  across  from  tip 
to-  tip  of  the  spreading  petals.  The  cup  is  usually  widely 
expanded  and  often  perfectly  flat.  Colour,  rich  yellow. 
Delicately  perfumed.  It  does  best  when  grown  in  pots  or 
the  cold-fame.  Though  it  thrives  in  gritty  soil,  in  well- 
drained  pockets  in  rock  work  or  similar  situations,  it  also 
makes  an  excellent  edging  plant  when  in  favourable  lo- 
cations. 

N.  ODORUS.  Campernelle  Jonquil.  A  rush-leaved, 
cluster-flowered  group  of  narcissus,  more  robust  in  growth 
and  bearing  larger  flowers  than  N.  Jonquilla,  with  wider 
petals  and  more  upright  crown,  and  generally  known  as  the 
"giant  jonquil."  There  are  several  good  forms  offered  under 
different  varietal  names,  the  most  important  of  which  are 
described  as  below.  All  are  suited  for  pot  culture — six 
bulbs  to  a  five-inch  pot — borders  and  naturalising. 

N.  ODORUS  INTERJECTUS.  (B.  18  in.  §  fl  *  $a  hu.)  This 
is  the  type  known  as  "Campernelle  Jonquil,"  and  though 
found  wild  in  some  parts  of  southern  Europe,  is  now  con- 
sidered to  be  one  of  nature's  hybrids.  Probably,  a  cross 
between  N.  Jonquilla  and  N.  Pseudo-Narcissus.  It  is  early 
in  blooming,  producing  two  or  more  full,  yellow,  fragrant 
flowers  on  each  stem. 

N.  ODORUS  RUGULOSUS.  Campernelle  major.  (B.  18  in. 
tinct  form  of  dwarfer  growth  than  the  type,  a  little  later 
and  with  a  longer,  narrower  cap  of  darker  yellow;  delight- 
fully fragrant,  rich  yellow  flowers.  It  thrives  best  in  shade, 
or  in  grass  on  a  slope  ground  facing  north. 

N.  ODORUS  RUGULOSUS.  Campernelle  major.  (B.  18  in. 
§U*  $2  hu.)  More  robust  and  larger  flowered  than  the 
other  forms,  and  known  as  the  "Improved  Campernelle," 


182  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

"Giant  Jonquil,"  etc.  Fragrant,  rich  yellow  flowers,  often 
three  to  a  stem,  with  broader,  stouter  petals,  and  a  straight, 
wrinkled  cup. 

N.  ODORUS  RUGULOSUS  MAxiMUS.  ($ioo  ea.)  A  new 
large  flowering  form.  The  flower  is  twice  as  large  as  in 
rugulosus,  and  of  handsome  shape  with  dark  golden  petals, 
which  are  remarkably  broad ;  prominent,  straight,  chanelled 
cup,  very  fragrant.  First-class  certificate,  Birmingham. 

N.  ODORUS  CALATHINA.  ($1.50  doz.)  The  "many- 
flowered  Campernelle,"  bearing  three  to  five  yellow,  sweet- 
scented  flowers  to  a  stem. 

N.  GRACILIS.  Syn:  Helene.  (E.  14  in.  $  »  $oc  doz.)  An 
old  and  presumably  wild  hybrid  between  N.  Jonquilla  (or 
N.  juncifolius)  and  a  N.  Tazetta  variety.  Rush-leaved 
and  bearing  clusters  of  three  to  five  flowers  on  a  stem.  The 
deliciously  fragrant  flowers  open  rich  yellow,  but  as  they 
age  change  to  pale  sulphur.  It  is  the  latest  of  the  rush- 
leaved  varieties  to  bloom,  and  is  not  only  prized  for  keeping 
up  the  succession,  but  it  is  a  very  graceful  garden  plant 
and  also  does  well  in  pots. 

N.  GRACILIS  TENUIOR.  The  silver  jonquil.  (D.  9  in. 
$i  doz.)  Smaller  flowers,  more  slender  in  growth  and  of 
paler  colour  than  the  preceding.  A  choice  dwarf  type,  with 
sweet-scented  flowers;  the  petals  being  silvery-white,  and 
the  cup  yellow.  It  bears  several  flowers  on  a  stem;  late 
flowering. 


PLATE  XXVII 


X.  TRIDYMUS,  VAR.  CLOTH  OF  ( 
The  long    crown,  hardy,   yellow,    cluster-flowered    narcissus.    AT.  tridymus   are 
hybrids  between  a  trumpet  daffodil  and  N.  Tazelta.    The  flowers  resemble  those  of 
a  small  Nelsoni  variety,  but  are  borne  in  clusters 


CHAPTER  XV 

THE    TENDER    CLUSTER-FLOWERED    NAR- 
CISSUS 

The  polyanthus  narcissus  (N.  Tazetta) 
and  its  many  varieties  form  a  large  family 
of  closely  resembling  types,  popularly  called 
"sweet-scented  cluster-flowered  narcissus," 
the  flowers  being  borne  in  many  flowered 
clusters. 

The  history  of  this  ancient  race  extends 
to  the  misty  eras  of  legend  and  mythology. 
At  the  present  time  descendents  of  the  varied 
types  are  found  growing  wild  over  a  wide 
area  neighboring  the  Mediterranean  from 
Spain  to  Asia  Minor,  and  some  few  even  as 
far  east  as  India,  China,  and  Japan,  and 
westward  others  have  become  naturalised  and 
typified  in  the  Canary  and  Scilly  Isles,  and 
even  in  Bermuda. 

Being  natives  of  a  mild  climate,  the  Tazet- 
tas  cannot  withstand  the  rigours  of  cold  lati- 
tudes and  are  not  to  be  depended  upon  as 
garden  plants  north  of  the  freezing  belt.  The 
183 


184  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

Hollanders  have  produced  numerous  beauti- 
ful hybrids,  some  of  which  are  hardier  than 
the  typical  southern  forms  and  I  have  suc- 
cessfully grown  and  flowered  many  of  the 
Dutch  varieties  in  my  garden  in  the  vicinity 
of  New  York  City.  Yet,  like  tea  roses,  while 
they  may  live  through  two  or  three  winters, 
with  careful  protection,  they  eventually  get 
killed  by  frost.  They  require  the  winter  pro- 
tection of  a  cold-frame.  In  lieu  of  hardiness 
the  polyanthus  narcissus  compensates  its 
grower  in  northern  climes  by  its  accommoda- 
ting adaptability  to  being  grown  in  the  house, 
in  pots,  pans,  or  flats,  and  some  of  them  even 
in  bowls  of  water  and  gravel  without  soil. 
Under  such  artificial  culture  they  grow  with 
luxuriance  and  flower  freely  during  the  winter 
and  early  spring  months. 

In  our  southern  states  and  in  all  favoured 
locations  where  the  bulbs  do  not  freeze,  they 
flourish  and  increase.  A  cream-coloured  vari- 
ety that  has  escaped  from  cultivation  in  the 
Bermudas  is  known  locally  as  "Bermuda  Jon- 
quil," the  thriftiness  of  which,  I  think  is  due 
not  so  much  to  rich  soil  as  to  deep  sub-soil 
of  notable  porosity,  it  being  a  disintegrated 


TENDER    CLUSTER-FLOWERED          185 

coral  rock  through  which  surplus  water  rap- 
idly drains  away.  If  we  who  garden  in  the 
north  over  water-holding  clay  sub-soil  would 
make  it  less  retentive,  greater  success  would 
crown  our  efforts  in  growing  not  only  narcis- 
sus and  daffodils,  but  all  other  garden  plants. 

ALL  YELLOW  VARIETIES 

ADONIA.  (C.  $1.50  doz.)  A  medium,  early  variety. 
Large,  well-formed  flowers;  canary-yellow  with  deep 
orange  cup. 

BATHURST.  (D.  $i  doz.)  A  distinct  and  beautiful 
dwarf,  compact-growing,  late  variety,  bearing  very  large 
flowers  of  clear,  light  yellow  with  dark-orange  cups. 

CHARLES  DICKENS.  (D.  $i  doz.)  Large  flowers,  prim- 
rose-yellow, with  orange  cup.  Late. 

GRAND  PRIMO  CITRONIERE.  Syn:  "Yellow  Primo."  (6oc 
doz.)  A  selection  from  the  bi-coloured  Grand  Primo — so 
popular  for  cutting.  This  yellow  form  bears  the  same  large 
trusses  of  handsome,  clear,  light  yellow  flowers  with  dark 
citron-coloured  cups. 

GRAND  SOLEIL  D'OR.  (A.  $i  doz.)  A  distinct,  very 
early  variety,  producing  large  clusters  of  rich  yellow 
flowers  having  deep-orange — almost  red-orange — cups.  It 
is  one  of  the  best  of  this  colour  for  early  forcing  and  very 
popular  with  the  Scilly  Islanders,  who  grow  it  extensively 
for  cut  flowers  for  market. 

JAUNE  SUPREME.  (C.  $1.50  doz.)  Medium  early,  bear- 
ing fine  trusses  of  large,  clear  yellow  flowers  with  deeper 
yellow,  or  orange,  cups.  A  vigorous  grower,  and  does 
particularly  well  when  grown  in  pots. 

LORD  CANNING.  ($i  doz.)  Profuse  bloomer;  rich 
yellow,  with  orange  cup. 


I  86  DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 

QUEEN  OF  YELLOWS.  ($2  doz.)  A  new  and  good  variety, 
bearing  immense  clusters  of  large  flowers,  rich  yellow  with. 
golden  cup. 

SIR  ISAAC  NEWTON.  Syn:  Newton.  (C.  $i  doz.)  A  very 
free,  medium  early;  pure  yellow,  with  orange  cups. 

Additional  varieties  of  yellow  petalled 
polyanthus  narcissus  catalogued  in  Europe, 
but  with  which  I  have  had  no  experience,  are : 

Adelphi.  Illustre  Soliel. 

Apollo.  Imperator. 

Aurea  Floribunda.  Isabella. 

Daybreak.  La  Belle  Comtesse. 

Don  Carlos.  La  Plus  Belle  Jaune. 

Fleur  Parfaite.  Masterpiece. 

Formosa.  Mercurius. 

Franklin.  Phyllis. 

Gen'l  Gordon.  Prince  of  Wales. 

Gladstone.  Soleil  Brilliant 

Golden  Era.  Surprise. 

Goldfinch.  Wilhelm  III. 
Heroine. 

BI-COLOUR  VARIETIES 

BAZELMAN  MAJOR.  Syn:  Trewianus  Major.  (B.  $2 
doz.)  A  magnificent  early  flowering  variety,  of  robust 
growth  bearing  three  to  six  trusses  of  extra  large, 
round  flowers.  Pure  white  petals  and  rich  orange-yellow 
cups.  It  is  one  of  the  best  varieties  of  polyanthus  nar- 
cissus in  cultivation.  It  does  well  in  pots  and  forces 
splendidly. 

CHINESE  SACRED.  Syn:  Jos  flower,  Grand  Emperor  of 
China,  Good  luck  flower,  etc.  ($1.25  doz.)  This  Chinese 
narcissus,  a  typified  form  of  the  Tazetta,  is  of  world- 
wide popularity,  being  prized  for  its  marvellously  rapid 


TENDER   CLUSTER-FLOWERED          187 

growth  and  its  abundant  silvery-white,  yellow-cupped 
flowers,  which  are  produced  in  from  forty  to  sixty  days 
after  planting.  It  is  usually  grown  in  bowls  of  water. 
They  grow  and  flower  in  the  sunny  window  of  any  living 
room,  doing  their  best  in  a  temperature  not  exceeding  sixty 
degrees.  The  moist  atmosphere  of  a  kitchen  or  laundry 
suits  them  perfectly.  Then  their  flowers  never  "blast"  or 
dry  up  in  bud  form. 

CONSTANTINOPLE.  Syn:  Double  Roman.  (B.  $2  hu.) 
Very  early  and  free  flowering.  Extensively  forced  by  flor- 
ists for  winter  cut  flowers.  Also  does  well  in  pots.  The 
petals  are  white ;  the  yellow  cup  usually  comes  semi-double 
or  double. 

GLORIOSUS.  Syn:  Gloriosa  superba.  (A.  750  doz.)  An 
excellent  early,  free-flowering  sort,  producing  large  trusses 
of  pure  white  petalled  flowers,  enlivened  with  orange* 
scarlet  cups.  It  is  one  of  the  best  of  this  colour  for  early 
forcing. 

GRAND  MONARQUE.  (D.  ysc.  doz.)  Splendid  trusses  of 
white  flowers,  with  lemon-yellow  cups.  A  vigorous  grower, 
doing  well  in  pots,  and  also  may  be  flowered  in  bowls  of 
water. 

GRAND  PRIMO.  (7sc  doz.)  Masses  of  large  white 
flowers  having  citron  yellow  cups.  Extensively  grown  for 
cut  flowers. 

GROOT  VOORST.  (6oc  doz.)  A  popular  old  variety,  bear- 
ing large  white  flowers  with  light  yellow  cups. 

HER  MAJESTY.  (D.  $1.50  doz.)  One  of  the  largest 
flowering  and  best  varieties  in  this  section.  The  broad 
round  petals  are  pure  white,  the  cups  deep  golden  yellow. 

MAESTRO.  (C.  $2  doz.)  A  good  dwarf,  very  free 
flowering  sort,  with  extra  large  flowers.  Petals  white  and 
dark  orange  cups  which  often  come  double  or  semi-double. 
There  is  no  better  polyanthus  variety  for  pot  culture. 

MONT  CENIS.  (B.  7sc  doz.)  Very  early,  and  one  of 
the  freest  flowering  varieties,  often  producing  four  spikes 


1 88  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

from  one  bulb,  and  the  spikes  sometimes  carrying  from 
eighteen  to  twenty-two  flowers  each.  Petals  pure  white; 
cups  rich  yellow. 

PRINCE  METTERNICH.  Syn:  Prlnz  von  Mellernich. 
Good  for  cutting,  having  exceptionally  long  stems  carrying 
broad  white  petalled  flowers  with  rich  golden  yellow 
cups. 

QUEEN  OF  THE  NETHERLANDS.  (A.  $1.50  do?..)  Extra 
early  large  flowering.  Resembling  Bazelman  Major.  Pure 
white  with  rich  yellow  cups. 

STATES  GENERAL.  Syn:  Staten  Generaal.  (B.  75C  doz.) 
A  well-known  old  early  variety  with  creamy  white  petals 
and  orange  cups.  A  free  seeder,  crossing  readily  with 
some  of  the  Ajax  varieties. 

Other  varieties  of  the  two  coloured  (white  petalled,  yel- 
low cupped)  polyanthus  narcissus — offered  by  the  trade — 
but  not  tested  by  the  writer  are: 

Aurora  La  Noblesse 

Bazelman  Minor  Laura 

Bouquet  Parfaite  Louis  le  Grand 

British  Queen  Luna 

Distinction  President  Harrison 

Duchess  of  Albany  Prince  of  Narcissus 

Empress  of  India  Princess  of  Wales 

Grand  Sultana  Queen  of  Narcissus 

Insulinde  Queen  Victoria 

La  Belle  Normandie  Sir  Walter  Scott 

Lacticolor  Volume  Laurius 
La  Jolie 

ALL  WHITE   POLYANTHUS 

Varieties  having  white  petals  and  white  or 
cream-coloured  cups : 

PAPER  WHITE.  Syn:  Totus  albus,  dubius,  papyraceus. 
(A.  $2  hu.)  This  and  its  improved  form  Grandiflora  are 


A  POLYANTHUS  NARCISSUS,  N.  TAZETTA 

These  cluster-flowered  narcissus  are  not  hardy  except  in  the  South  and  are  excellent 
for  forcing  under  glass.  This  variety,  Bazelman  major,  is  one  of  the  best  for  cut 
flowers;  white  with  deep  orange  crown 


TENDER    CLUSTER-FLOWERED          189 

the  most  important  and  extensively  forced  of  all  varieties 
of  polyanthus  narcissus  for  cut  flowers  in  winter.  Snow- 
white  star-like  blossoms  borne  in  good  sized  trusses  on  long 
strong  stems.  The  bulbs  are  mostly  grown  in  Southern 
France,  whence  they  are  exported  by  millions  annually;  of 
easy  culture  and  vigorous  growth,  often  being  brought  into 
bloom  long  before  Christmas.  May  also  be  grown  and 
flowered  successfully  in  bowls  of  water  with  moss  or  peb- 
bles. 

PAPER  WHITE  GRANDIFLORA.  Syns:  Paper  White  mul- 
ti flora,  Snoiuflake.  (A.  $2.50  hu.)  This  improved  type 
is  rapidly  supplanting  the  preceding  from  which  it  is  a 
selection.  It  possesses  all  of  the  good  qualities  of  its  pre- 
decessor with  the  added  merits  of  being  more  vigorous  and 
producing  larger  trusses  of  larger  individual  flowers  which 
are  also  of  somewhat  more  durable  substance. 

SCILLY  WHITE.  (B.  $2  hu.)  Early,  dwarf,  sturdy 
growing.  A  most  profuse  flowered  variety,  grown  by 
acres  in  the  Scilly  Isles.  It  forces  easily.  Flowers  pure  white, 
with  creamy  cups  rather  small,  but  borne  in  good-sized 
trusses. 

WHITE  PEARL.  ($i  doz.)  A  distinct  and  excellent  var- 
iety bearing  medium-sized  pure  White  flowers  with  almost 
white  cups. 

WHITE  PERFECTION.  (E.  $1.50  doz.)  Late  flowering, 
bearing  large  trusses  of  large  pure  white  petalled,  cream 
cupped  flowers.  Growth  dwarf,  and  sturdy. 

CLUSTER-FLOWERED 
NARCISSUS 

These  natural  hybrids  and  their  varieties 
— known  as  the  intermediate  and  orientalis 
sections — so  closely  resemble  in  many  re- 


190  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

spects  the  polyanthus  narcissus  that  it  is  taken 
for  granted  that  some  member  of  the  N. 
Tazetta  is  one  of  the  progenitors,  but  the 
opposite  parent  is  merely  conjectured. 

Both  the  intermedius  and  orientalis  types 
bear  their  flowers  in  bouquet-like  clusters  and 
are  as  sweetly  fragrant  as  the  Tazettas  and 
imitate  them  in  not  being  hardy  enough  to 
be  always  grown  successfully  in  Northern 
gardens,  though  all  thrive  in  temperate  and 
southern  climates  and  are  amenable  to  pot 
culture  and  forcing  into  flower  during  the 
winter  in  greenhouse,  frame  or  window. 

INTERMEDIUS.  Syns:  intermedius  minor,  tenuifolius 
minor.  ($oc  doz.)  A  supposed  hybrid  between  N.  Tazetta 
and  N.  Jonquilla.  It  bears  clusters  of  several  fragrant 
flowers;  the  perianth  petals  being  soft  yellow  and  the  cups 
of  deeper  yellow.  Its  chief  difference  from  the  yellow 
flowered  polyanthus  being  its  semi-cylindrical  or  half  rush- 
like  leaves. 

INTERMEDIUS  MAJOR.  (E.  13  in.  §  SQC  doz.)  A  larger 
flowered  selection  from  the  preceding  with  clusters  of 
sweet-scented  flowers.  Perianth  primrose;  cup  yellow. 

INTERMEDIUS  BIFLORONS.  Syn:  Etoil  d' or.  ($oc  doz.)  A 
pretty  garden  form  with  narrower  petals  of  bright  yellow 
and  a  longer  cup  of  golden  yellow:  a  dwarf  grower. 
Practically  a  small-flowered  polyanthus  (Tazetta). 

INTERMEDIUS  SUNSET.  (E.  16  in.  §$3  doz.)  A  selec- 
tion or  variety  of  bifrons  with  an  orange-scarlet  brimmed 
cup,  the  perianth  being  canary-yellow.  It  bears  four  to 
five  flowers  on  a  stem  and  is  very  showy. 


TENDER    CLUSTER-FLOWERED          19! 

ORIENTALIS.  Syn:  Schizanthus  Orlentalis,  and  Orl- 
entalis  of  Haworth.  (D.  12  in.  500  doz.)  The  yellow  Ori- 
entalis,  a  supposed  hybrid  between  varieties  of  N.  Tazetta 
and  N.  incomparabilis.  The  flowers  are  borne  in  clusters 
of  three  to  four,  petals  spreading,  light  yellow;  cup  orange 
yellow.  Flat  foliage.  Very  fragrant. 

MUSARET  ORIENTALIS.  (E.  12  in.  5oc  doz.)  The  white 
Orientalis,  good  sized,  sweetly  scented,  poeticus-like  flowers 
borne  in  clusters.  Perianth  snow  white ;  cups  yellow,  stained 
orange.  Excellent  in  temperate  and  warm  climates  for 
beds,  borders,  and  pot  culture.  Though  naturally  late 
flowering  it  forces  safely  if  done  slowly. 


CHAPTER  XVI 

THE  HARDY  CLUSTER-FLOWERED 
NARCISSUS 

IT  is  only  within  the  last  few  years  that  the 
beauty,  fragrance  and  variety  of  the  bouquet- 
like  heads  of  flowers  of  the  tender  Tazettas 
have  had  a  counterpart  for  our  Northern  gar- 
dens. This  has  become  possible  through  the 
new  hardy  cluster-flowered  hybrids,  fully 
equalling  and  in  some  respects  surpassing  their 
more  tender  colleagues  in  size  of  flowers, 
beauty,  colouring,  and  form.  The  new  poe- 
taz  and  tridymus  varieties  have  proven  as 
robust  and  ruggedly  hardy  as  any  wild  North- 
ern daffodil,  and  will  become  more  popular 
when  better  known. 

NARCISSUS    POETAZ 

This  is  a  very  well  defined  section  produced 
by  crossing  N.  Tazetta  varieties  with  TV. 
poeticus  ornatus  as  the  seed  parent.  The  indi- 
vidual flowers  of  the  poetaz  hybrids  resemble 
poeticus  in  form  and  size,  are  freely  produced 
192 


HARDY    CLUSTER-FLOWERED  193 

in  pairs  and  clusters  on  strong  stems  so  that  a 
bed  or  clump  of  the  plants  in  bloom  shows  a 
dense  mass  of  flower.  The  varieties  force 
easily  and  are  effective  when  grown  in  pots 
and  pans.  Their  fragrance  is  not  so  oppressive 
in  a  confined  atmosphere  as  that  of  the  Tazet- 
tas.  They  were  awarded  a  first  prize  at  the 
Haarlem  (Holland)  Exhibition  of  1900. 

ALSACE.  (C.  $1.50  doz.)  Broad  pure  white  petals  of 
true  poeticus  form:  cup  yellow,  edged  reddish  while  the 
blossom  is  young.  It  blooms  three  weeks  earlier  than  N. 
poeticus  ornatus  and  usually  bears  three  flowers  to  a  stem. 
Promises  to  be  extra  good  for  forcing. 

ELVIRA.  (D.  $i  do/.)  Long-stemmed  large  flowers  of 
unusually  good  substance.  Petals  pure  white;  cup  yellow. 
Extra  free  flowering,  and  three  to  four  flowers  on  a  stem; 
a  very  vigorous  sturdy  growing  narcissus  that  multiplies 
rapidly,  which  accounts  for  its  moderate  price.  Award  of 
Merit,  R.  H.  S. 

IDEAL.  ($3.50  doz.)  White  petals  and  a  dark  orange 
coloured  cup.  The  clusters  usually  contain  six  to  seven 
blossoms. 

IRENE.  ($2.50  doz.)  Satiny  sulphur-yellow  petals  and 
orange  cup.  A  large  broad  truss  containing  eight  to  nine 
flowers. 

JAUNE  A  MERVEILLE.  (D.  $3  doz.)  The  largest  yellow 
flowered  variety.  Perianth  yellow ;  cup  deep  golden  colour, 
seven  to  eight  flowers  on  a  stem. 

KLONDYKE.  ($1.25  doz.)  One  of  the  deepest  of  the 
yellows.  Perianth  yellow;  cup  deep  golden:  six  to  seven 
flowers  in  a  truss. 

LOUISE.      ($1.25    doz.)      True    poeticus    formed    flowers 


194  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

borne  in  clusters  of  three  and  four  on  stems  two  feet  long. 
Large  pure  white  petals  and  yellow  cup. 

LUCIA.  ($1.50  doz.)  Tall  stems  carrying  seven  to 
eight  flowers  with  yellow  perianth  and  golden  yellow  cup. 

PROFUSION.  ($i  doz.)  Of  dwarf  growth  but  free  flower- 
ing, bearing  six  flowers  in  a  truss.  Perianth  white,  cup 
yellow. 

SUNSET.  ($1.50  doz.)  Bears  six  large  flowers  on  a  stem. 
Perianth  sulphur-yellow;  cup  orange. 

TRIUMPH.  ($2.50  doz.)  Bears  three  to  four  large 
Bazelman  Major  like  flowers  on  a  stem.  Perianth  pure 
white,  cup  deep  yellow. 

NARCISSUS  TRIDYMUS 

Hardy  cluster-flowered  hybrids,  the  indi- 
vidual flowers  resembling  those  of  a  small 
Nelsoni,  with  spreading  perianth,  and  cup- 
shaped  crowns.  They  are  produced  from 
various  crosses,  N.  Tazetta  always  being  one 
of  the  parents,  the  other  being  an  Ajax  or  a 
Leedsii  variety.  The  type  bears  two  or  three, 
some  varieties  four,  and  a  few,  five  flowers 
in  a  cluster  on  a  single  stem.  All  are  noted 
for  their  sweet  fragrance. 

A.  RAWSON.  (D.  14  in.  $5  doz.)  A  very  handsome 
variety  with  a  full  rich  yellow  cup,  and  bold  clear  yellow 
petals. 

CLOTH  OF  GOLD.  (D.  15  in.  $2  ea.)  One  of  the  best 
of  this  section  and  the  brightest  coloured  of  all ;  rich  orange 
yellow  perianth  and  deep  golden  cup.  A  robust  grower, 
free  bloomer  and  bold  flowers  rich  in  perfume. 


HARDY    CLUSTER-FLOWERED  195 

Miss  WHITE.  (C.  21  in.  500  ea.)  Each  stem  bears 
three  or  four  beautiful  silvery  white  "Leedsii"  flowers. 

MRS.  ALFRED  PEARSON.  (500  ea.)  Four  or  five  large 
pure  white  flowers  with  orange-yellow  cups  on  each  stem. 

S.  A.  DE  GRAAFF.  (C.  12  in.  $1.50  doz.)  One  to  three 
large  beld  flowers  to  a  stem.  Perianth  primrose-yellow; 
cup  rich  yellow. 

ST.  PATRICK.  (D.  500  ea.)  Free  flowering  robust  grow- 
ing, with  three  large  and  remarkably  striking  flowers  to  a 
siem.  Perianth  campanulate,  soft  yellow;  cup  rich  deep 
golden  colour  well  flanged  at  the  mouth.  Very  sweetly 
scented. 

THE  TWINS.  (C.  15  in.  $1.50  ea.)  A  pretty  new 
variety  bearing  two  flowers  to  a  stem.  Perianth  creamy 
white;  prominent  rich  yellow  cup;  violet  scented:  a 
robust  grower. 


CHAPTER  XVII 

DOUBLE  DAFFODILS  AND  NARCISSUS  OF  ALL 
GROUPS 

DOUBLE-FLOWERED  daffodils  and  narcissus 
are  found  in  but  few  of  the  sections.  The  ag- 
gregate number  of  distinct  commercial  kinds 
in  all  classes  does  not  amount  to  over  twenty- 
five — and  even  some  of  these  are  mere  selec- 
tions— sent  out  under  the  introducers'  names. 
The  large  trumpet  section  has  five  double  va- 
rieties in  the  all-yellows,  two  in  the  bi-colour 
and  one  in  the  all  white  divisions.  The  med- 
ium-crown daffodils  have  ten  double  varie- 
ties, while  in  the  solitary-flowered  cup 
group  N.  poeticus  supplies  one  double  form 
only.  Among  the  cluster-flowered  the  jonquils 
have  two  doubles  and  the  Tazettas  have  the 
same  number. 

The  origin  of  the  double  narcissus  is  un- 
known and  I  think  I  am  correct  in  saying  that 
no  double  narcissus  has  been  produced  by  the 
art  of  man,  at  least,  not  in  modern  times.  I 
196 


DOUBLES  OF  ALL  GROUPS      197 

am  inclined  to  think  that  most  doubles  are 
"sports"  for  double  flowering  plants  are  usu- 
ally found  here  and  there  among  their  wild 
single  types  and  sometimes  the  double-flower- 
ing plants  when  transferred  to  other  soil  or 
locations  will  revert  to  the  single  type. 

There  is  much  confusion  of  nomenclature 
among  the  doubles  and  in  describing  what  I 
consider  to  be  the  only  distinctive  dependable 
commercial  varieties  I  have  given  both  popu- 
lar and  botanical  names. 

When  the  Daffodil  Conference  of  1884 
authorised  the  florist's  method  of  naming  all 
hybrid  narcissus  (e.  g.  Princess  Mary,  Sir 
Watkin,  etc.)  they  relieved  narcissus  lovers  of 
much  complexity,  but  unfortunately  the  Con- 
ference ruled  that  wild  species,  sub-species,  or 
types — which  includes  the  doubles — were  to 
retain  their  botanical  titles.  The  result  has 
been  that  in  various  books  and  catalogues  we 
find  the  same  variety  under  several  names, 
some  being  the  undiscarded,  ancient  titles, 
others  more  modern  or  popular  appellations. 
Perhaps  some  future  daffodil  conference  will 
straighten  out  the  nomenclature  of  fixed 
double  varieties. 


198  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

DOUBLE  ALL  YELLOW  TRUMPET  DAFFODILS 

DOUBLE  VAN  SIGN.  (B.  12  to  15  in.  §  ff  *  500  doz.) 
This  famous  double  yellow  daffodil  of  old  American  gar- 
dens is  also  very  popular  in  Europe  under  the  name  of 
"Wilmer's  Double  Golden  Daffodil"  and  among  the 
more  botanical  as  "N.  telamonius  plenus,"  it  being  the 
doubled  form  of  a  single  yellow  large  trumpet  called 
"Telamonius"  in  England  and  "Van  Sion"  in  Holland. 

It  is  not  only  the  most  important  of  all  doubles,  but 
probably  the  most  important  of  all  varieties,  single  or 
double.  It  is  planted  by  the  millions  annually.  It  is  gen- 
erally a  reliable  producer  of  large  handsome  double  golden- 
yellow  flowers  under  varied  cultural  treatments,  soils  and 
climates  whether  grown  in  garden  borders,  naturalised, 
or  "forced"  in  pots  or  "flats"  for  winter  flower. 

Like  its  parents  Double  Van  Sion  varies  in  size,  form, 
and  other  characteristics  accordingly  as  influenced  by 
environment.  Years  ago  when  there  was  less  demand  for 
Double  Van  Sion,  the  growers  of  flowering  bulbs  propo- 
gated  and  dessiminated  their  own  types  of  "pedigree" 
strains,  and  there  was  much  rivalry  among  the  growers 
as  to  the  merits  of  their  respective  stocks,  some  having 
"rogued"  to  the  unburst  double  trumpet  type,  others  to  the 
"rose  double"  form,  i.  e.  trumpet  burst,  its  petals  curving 
backwards  and  intermingling  with  the  perianth  segments. 
Between  these  two  extremes  were  several  intermediate 
forms.  But  now  no  one  grower  seems  to  have  a  specialised 
type,  all  seem  to  depend  upon  small  "collected"  bulbs,  most 
of  which  come  from  Asia  Minor  and  Italy.  These  of 
course  are  very  variable  in  type  of  flower.  The  bulb 
grower  is  supposed  to  plant  and  grow  these  collected 
bulbs  for  a  year  or  two  to  "tone  and  fatten  them  up"  and 
get  the  "green"  out  of  the  flowers.  But  every  "rogue" 
(a  bulb  producing  an  undesirable  style  of  flower)  that  is 


DOUBLES  OF  ALL  GROUPS      199 

pulled  up  and  thrown  away — means  the  loss  of  its  cost — • 
and  people  are  not  inclined  to  throw  away  money — we 
therefore  do  not  get  the  percentage  of  ideal  double  unburst 
trumpets  in  our  Double  Van  Sions — that  we  did  a  few 
years  back. 

It  is  almost  amusing  when  you  complain  to  a  foreign 
bulb  grower  about  his  strain  of  "Double  Van  Sions"  to 
hear  his  explanations  diplomatically  put,  but  in  substance: 
If  forced:  "you  gave  them  too  much  heat  or  too  soon,"  if 
in  the  open:  "your  climate  it  is  too  hot  and  the  sun  too 
bright."  They  will  never  admit  anything  wrong  in  their 
strains,  but  insinuate  that  the  grower  has  actually  brought 
into  being  such  types  of  flowers  by  cultural  mismanagement. 
And  yet  I  know  of  double  trumpet  daffodils  in  old  gar- 
dens that  have  annually  produced  flowers  with  unburst 
trumpets  for  many  years,  regardless  of  the  too  sudden 
change  from  winter  into  summer. 

Another  vagary  of  the  Double  Van  Sion  is  its  tendency 
to  produce  flowers  tinged  with  green  and  sometimes  almost 
all  green. 

I  do  not  know  that  any  scientific  explanation  of  the 
reason,  nor  a  remedy,  has  ever  been  advanced.  A  few 
years  ago  I  visited  a  Guernsey  narcissus  farmer  who  had 
removed  his  wares  to  Virginia — he  had  about  two  acres 
of  Double  Van  Sion,  the  flowers  of  which  were  as  green 
as  grass  although  the  bulbs,  being  unsalable,  had  remained 
undisturbed  for  three  years.  Mentioning  the  circumstance 
to  an  expert  in  the  U.  S.  Department  of  Agriculture 
an  effort  was  made  to  solve  the  riddle  but  to  no  good 
result.  A  reputable  Holland  bulb  grower  finally  trans- 
fered  the  bulbs  to  Dutch  soil  saying  that  in  two  years  the 
flowers  would  become  as  "yellow  as  gold."  Of  course 
this  does  not  explain  why  southern  forms  of  Double  Van 
Sion  "go  green"  and  then  grow  out  of  it  under  different 
conditions.  The  moral  however  is:  If  you  get  a  good  strain 
of  golden-yellow  Double  Van  Sion  that  produces  flowers 


200  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

with  unburst  trumpets — treasure  and  keep  it,  for  such  are 
getting  scarce. 

ROSE-FLOWERED  DOUBLE.  (C.  14  in.  t  $3  doz.)  Rich 
yellow  and  delightfully  fragrant  This  old  favourite  has 
outlived  several  popular  names,  originally  being  known 
as  "John  Trades  cant's  Daffodil"  which  was  "botanized" 
into  Tradescanthus  and  Tradescant's  Centifolius,  which 
was  appropriate  because  the  flower  is  really  a  conglomera- 
tion of  small  double  flowers  crowded  together  into  a  rosette. 
After  Parkinson  popularised  it  by  the  description  in  his 
Herbal  published  in  1629 — the  variety  was  afterwards 
also  known  as  "Parkinson's  Rose-flowered  Daffodil."  Bo- 
tanically  it  is  "Lobularis  plenissimus  or  grandi-plenus. 

DWARF  DOUBLE  SWEET  SCENTED.  (B.  10  in.  t$2  doz.) 
Large,  double,  bright  yellow,  fragrant  flowers.  Dwarf 
sturdy  growth,  and  does  well  in  borders  or  naturalised  in 
partial  shade.  It  is  usually  catalogued  under  its  botanical 
name  or  abbreviations  of  same  which  are  sometimes  con- 
fusing, its  full  title  being  "Pseudo  lobularis  pumilus  plc- 
nus,"  but  often  the  first  and  sometimes  the  second  words 
are  omitted. 

QUEEN  ANNE'S  DOUBLE.  Syns:  capax  plenus  and  Eys- 
tettensis.  (A.  7  in.  t  §  ft  75C  ea.)  A  quaint  old  variety 
of  greatest  interest  to  the  collector  of  varieties.  The  lemon 
yellow  flowers  are  composed  of  six  superimposed  layers 
of  six  petals — like  pointed  stars — graduating  in  size.  The 
single  form  is  unknown. 

RIP  VAN  WINKLE.  (B.  9  in.  t$6  doz.)  A  very  rare 
and  interesting  doubled  form  of  the  single  Ajax  Minor. 
A  native  of  Ireland.  Dwarf  habit.  Early  and  free  flower- 
ing. The  small  doubled  flowers  are  pale  yellow,  and  frag- 
rant. Petals  pointed  and  curiously  twisted. 

GERARD'S  SILVER  AND  GOLD  DOUBLE.  (B.  9  in.  t$7-so 
doz.)  This  rare  old  variaty:  N.  Pseudo-Narcissus  albus 
aureus  plenus — with  abbreviations  to  suit  the  length  of 


DOUBLES  OF  ALL  GROUPS     2OI 

catalogue  line — is  a  very  striking  plant  in  bloom.  Its 
medium-sized  double  flowers  with  silver  and  gold-coloured 
petals  intermingled  being  very  beautiful.  It  does  best 
when  naturalised  in  a  partially  shaded  location  in  turf. 

DOUBLE  SCOTCH.  (B.  12  in.  f  §  ft  $2  doz.)  This  double 
form  of  the  wild  Scotch  daffodil,  N.  Scoticus,  is  also  cata- 
logued frequently  under  its  botanical  title  "N.  Pseudo- 
Scoticus  plenus"  It  is  a  very  showy  variety  with  white 
and  yellow  petals  interspersed. 

DOUBLE  ALL-WHITE  TRUMPET  DAFFODILS 

DOUBLE  WHITE  TRUMPET.  (C.  10  in.  f$2.so  ea.)  This, 
we  believe,  is  the  only  double  form  of  an  all  white  trum- 
pet daffodil  now  purchasable,  and  even  it  is  very  rare. 
Botanically  it  is  known  as  N.  cernuus  plenus,  being  the 
double  of  the  White  Swan's  Neck  trumpet  cernuus.  The 
flowers  are  of  exquisite  beauty— cream-white,  with  a  slight 
lemon  tinge  in  the  centre  of  the  flower.  It  is  most  success- 
fully grown  in  partial  shade  naturalised  in  grass.  It 
resents  manure. 

DOUBLE  MEDIUM  CROWN  DAFFODILS 
This  section  is  comprised  of  double  forms 
of  well-marked  single  varieties  of  N.  incom- 
parabilis,  or  the  supposed  direct  progeny  of 
natural  crosses  between  an  Ajax  trumpet 
form  and  N.  poeticus.  The  flowers  of  this 
group  do  not  retain  either  trumpet  or  crown- 
like  formation,  for  the  corona  bursts  bounds, 
curves  back  and  socially  mingles  with  the 
petals,  thus  forming  what  is  called  a  "rose- 
double"  daffodil. 


2O2  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

Like  their  single  prototypes,  these  double 
forms  are  healthy,  vigorous  growers,  bloom 
freely  and  adapt  themselves  to  all  sorts  of 
cultural  conditions  except  hot  and  fast 
forcing.  They  thrive  in  gardens  and  bor- 
ders; are  at  home  when  naturalised;  and 
when  grown  cool  and  slow  in  pots  they  flower 
beautifully  during  late  winter. 

APRICOT  PHOENIX.  (C.  §11*  $50  ea.)  An  introduction 
of  1905.  Flowers  large  and  very  double,  crown  petals 
apricot  yellow,  interspersed  with  the  cream-white  perianth. 

ARGENT.  (D.  18  in.  §fi*$i  ea.)  A  recent  introduction 
of  strong  growth,  bearing  beautifully  formed  star-shaped 
double  flowers.  Creamy  white  with  yellow  centres. 

AURANTIUS  PLENUS.  (B.  17  In.  §ff*2sc  doz.)  The 
common  old  double  English  garden  daffodil  known  as 
"Butter  and  Eggs,"  a  name  doubtless  suggested  by  the 
colouring  in  the  flowers  which  is  of  a  light  "butter-yellow" 
shading  to  orange  at  the  centre.  A  free-growing  and  free- 
flowering  variety,  which  if  left  undisturbed  eventually 
forms  large  clumps  or  masses.  Faintly  fragrant. 

GOLDEN  PHOENIX  OR  ERINI.  (B.  17  in.  §U*$i  doz.)  A 
large-flowered  double  Irish  form,  botanically  "N.  incom- 
parabilis  pallidus-plenus."  In  effect  the  coloring  is  a  rich 
golden  yellow,  but  more  closely  anaylised  lemon  yellow 
petals  are  interspersed  with  the  rich  golden  ones. 

GOLDEN  ROSE.  (B.  17  in.  §11*  $2  doz.)  Very  large, 
round  and  very  double  flowers,  deep  yellow  with  a  darker 
golden  centre. 

ORANGE  PHOENIX.  (C.  17  in.  §1f*4oc  doz.)  Popularly 
known  as  "Eggs  and  Bacon"  and  as  N.  incomparabilis 
albus  aurantius  plenus.  Robust  and  free  flowering.  The 


DOUBLES  OF  ALL  GROUPS     203 

large  double  flowers  are  composed  of  white  petals  with  an 
orange  coloured  centre. 

PLENIPO.  (§  ft*  $2.50  ea.)  A  choice  selection  bearing 
large,  double  rose  shaped  flowers  of  pale  yellow. 

SILVER  OR  SULPHUR  PHOENIX.  (C.  18  in.  §ff*75c  doz.) 
One  of  the  best  varieties  in  the  double  incomparable  section. 
Botanically  it  is  "N.  Pseudo-Narcissus  albus  plenus  sul- 
phureus"  but  popularly  known  as  Codllns  and  Cream. 
A  robust  grower,  bearing  very  large  double  flowers  of 
white,  with  sulphur  colored  centers. 

PRIMROSE  PHOENIX.  (§11  $3  ea.)  A  much  admired 
variety  with  large  double  flowers  of  a  primrose  yellow. 
Award  of  merit  R.  H.  S. 

SEMI-PARTITUS  PLENUS.  (*  $i  ea.)  A  rare  and  distinct  old 
variety  bearing  double  light  lemon-yellow  flowers.  The 
pointed  petals  are  arranged  in  six  star-like  superimposed 
rows  in  the  same  manner  as  in  N.  Capax  plenus.  It 
received  a  first-class  certificate  from  the  Royal  Nether- 
lands Horticultural  Society. 

DOUBLE  POETICUS 

DOUBLE  POET'S  NARCISSUS.  (E.  15  in-  *$i.so  hu.) 
It  produces  beautiful,  large  and  fragrant  double  white  flow- 
ers, which  in  purity,  form  and  sweetness  liken  them  to  gar- 
denias, for  which  reason  it  is  often  called  the  "Gardenia- 
flowuered  narcissus."  Botanically  it  is  N.  poelicus  albus- 
plenus  odoratus  and  so  is  usually  catalogued,  though  often 
with  mystifying  abbreviations.  It  thrives  best  in  moist, 
loamy  soil,  often  failing  to  flower  in  dry  locations  and  it 
resents  pot  culture  and  forcing. 

DOUBLE  POLYANTHUS 

Notwithstanding  that  the  single  forms  of 
the  cluster-flowered  polyanthus  narcissus  are 


204  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

so  numerous  there  are  but  three  double  forms 
now  offered  by  dealers.  It  is  curious  to  note 
this  as  there  were  more  in  years  gone  by. 

CHINESE  SACRED.  It  frequently  happens  that  a  bulb  of 
this  popular  variety  will  be  found  to  produce  flowers  with 
double  cups.  It  does  not  appear  to  be  constant,  however, 
and  no  separation  of  the  single  and  double  flowering  forms 
has  been  made. 

CONSTANTINOPLE.  Syn:  Double  Roman.  (B.  $2  hu.) 
Very  early  and  free  flowering.  Extensively  forced  by 
florists  for  winter  cut  flowers.  It  also  does  well  when 
grown  in  pots.  The  perianth  is  white,  the  yellow  cup 
usually  double  or  semi-double/ 

NOBLISSIMUS  PLENUS.  ($i  doz.)  Perianth  cream 
coloured  and  a  large  double  cup  of  orange  yellow. 

DOUBLE  FLOWERING  JONQUILS 

That  there  are  almost  as  many  double 
forms  of  fhe  sweet  jonquils  as  there  are  sin- 
gles is  remarkable  considering  the  few  dou- 
ble varieties  of  narcissus  produced  among 
other  types.  The  double  jonquils  range  in  size 
of  flower  and  plant  like  their  single  proto- 
types, from  the  small  true  jonquil  (TV.  Jon- 
qmlla]  to  the  large  hybrid,  Campernelle  jon- 
quil (TV.  odorus). 

DOUBLE  JONQUIL.  (E.  §  *  300  doz.)  N.  Jonquilla  plenus 
is  the  correct  botanical  name  of  this  doubled  form  of  the 
true  old  single  jonquil.  Its  beautiful  rich  yellow  flowers 


DOUBLES  OF  ALL  GROUPS      205 

are  borne  in  twos  and  threes  on  short  stocky  flower  stalks. 
It  does  better  when  naturalised  in  grass  on  dry  warm  hill- 
sides than  in  the  garden;  but  it  flowers  perfectly  in  pots, 
if  grown  cool  and  slowly.  A  late  bloomer. 

QUEEN  ANNE'S  DOUBLE  JONQUIL.  (B.  12  in.  f$z  doz.) 
AT.  odorus  minor  plenus.  This  famous  old  variety  bear* 
two  or  three  small  sweet-scented  double-rose-shaped  flowers 
of  rich  golden  yellow  colour  on  twelve  inch  stems.  It  does 
well  in  shaded  garden  beds,  naturalised  in  grass  and  is 
charming  when  grown  in  pots,  five  to  six  bulbs  in  a  five 
inch  pot. 

GIANT  DOUBLE  JONQUIL.  (C.  20  in.  t7$c  ea.)  N. 
Campernelli  plenus.  This  magnificent  jonquil  is  said  to 
be  a  doubled  Campernelle,  but  its  strength  of  growth  and 
size  of  flower  seems  to  indicate  that  it  is  a  double  form  of 
N.  odorus  rugulosus  maximus.  Under  favoured  conditions  the 
flower  stems  attain  a  height  of  two  feet,  each  stem  carrying 
erect  from  two  to  six  large  double  fragrant  bright  yellow 
flowers,  which  deepen  to  orange  at  the  junction  of  double 
cup  and  perianth.  A  bed  of  these  left  undisturbed  until 
established — for  at  least  two  years — will  produce  blos- 
soms in  such  numbers  and  size  as  to  be  a  revelation  even 
to  daffodil  lovers. 


CHAPTER  XVIII 

SOME  AUTUMN  FLOWERING  SPECIES 

THESE  rare,  curious,  and  dainty  little  mem- 
bers of  the  genus  Narcissus  are  found  grow- 
ing wild,  not  often  but  occasionally,  in  Al- 
geria, Morocco,  Gibraltar,  Spain,  Italy  and 
sometimes  in  other  localities  closely  bordering 
the  Mediterranean.  They  are  all  round  or 
rush-leaved  types  bearing  their  flowers  in  jon- 
quil-like clusters. 

The  characteristics  of  spring-flowering  daf- 
fodils and  narcissus,  i.  e.  love  of  moist  cool- 
ness is  exactly  reversed  in  these  autumn  flow- 
ering kinds.  These  require  almost  tropical 
heat,  and  dry  seasons  followed  by  wet 
ones.  They  are  not  recommended  for  ordi- 
nary garden  cultivation  in  the  North,  though 
they  may  be  grown  in  frames  covered  with 
glass  during  the  late  autumn  and  winter 
months  and  may  also  be  grown  and  flowered 
in  pots. 

N.  SEROTINUS.     (10  in.  500.  doz.)     The     fragrant     little 
flowers  of  this  variety,  borne  in  twos  or  threes  on  slender 
206 


AUTUMN  FLOWERING  SPECIES         207 

stems,  have  spreading  white  petals  turning  slightly  back- 
wards; the  lemon-yellow  cup  is  very  small.  The  leaves 
are  produced  late  in  the  fall,  after  the  plant  has  ceased 
blooming,  therefore  it  must  be  protected  with  glass  until 
growth  has  been  completed  if  flowers  another  season  are 
desired. 

N.  SEROTINUS,  VAR.  ELEGANS.  This  variety  somewhat  re- 
sembles the  preceding  differing  in  the  following  partic- 
ulars: the  pure  white  petals  are  more  slender  and  very 
pointed;  the  small  yellow  cup  is  saucer-shaped.  The 
leaves  and  flowers  are  produced  at  the  same  time. 

N.  VIRIDIFLORUS.  ($2  ea.)  The  green  narcissus,  a  rare 
little  species  blooming  in  November.  Its  small  fragrant 
star-like  flowers  with  insignificant  cups — are  borne  in  two 
to  four  flower  clusters  on  tall  stems.  The  coloring  of  the 
flower  is  a  really  pretty  shade  of  light  green. 


CHAPTER  XIX 

HYBRIDISING  AND  RAISING  FROM  SEED 

In  entering  into  this  fascinating  field  of 
hybridising  and  raising  seedlings,  avoid  above 
all  things  any  haphazard  way,  making  what 
Mr.  Darwin  called  "fool's  experiments." 
Have  some  definite  object  in  view.  The  pro- 
duction of  a  King  Alfred,  for  instance,  in  an 
early  flowering  form  which  might  possibly  be 
accomplished  by  crossing  that  variety  on  spu- 
rius  major  or  Golden  Spur,  or  vice  versa, 
would  be  a  real  achievement.  Always  work 
for  constitution,  vigour  of  growth  and  sturdy 
stems,  as  well  as  for  size,  form,  substance  and 
freedom  of  bloom;  and  for  rich  and  deep,  or 
else  sharply  contrasting  colouring  —  no 
washed-out  blends  are  needed.  The  petals 
are  usually  the  weakest  part  of  the  flower  and 
can  stand  improving.  In  many  flowers  they 
lack  substance  and  breadth.  In  some  varieties 
I  find  they  wither  and  curl  back  in  a  sunny  ex- 
posure, while  the  trumpet  or  crown  is  still 
holding  well. 

** 


RAISING    FROM   SEED  209 

There  are  hundreds  of  desirable  possibili- 
ties to  work  for  and  hundreds  of  possible  com- 
binations to  work  with,  this  being  one  of  the 
phases  of  daffodil  culture  that  makes  it  so 
fascinating.  The  enthusiast's  culmination  of 
delight  is  in  watching  the  development  of  the 
first  flowers  of  his  own  seedlings,  for  he  is 
always  sure  that  something  will  develop  to 
astonish  the  world — possibly  a  silver-winged 
Weardale  with  scarlet  trumpet  or  a  golden- 
winged  Autocrat  with  snow-white  crown. 

In  every  fertile  flower  of  Narcissus,  the 
long,  slender  style  with  its  swollen  stigma, 
after  the  lobes  develop,  exudes  a  sticky  sub- 
stance which  indicates  that  the  stigma  is  in  a 
receptive  condition.  Pollen  is  the  yellow, 
dust-like  grains  adhering  to  the  anthers  which 
dangle  at  the  ends  of  the  six  stamens  sur- 
rounding the  stigma.  When  ripe  pollen 
comes  into  contact  with  the  stigma,  pol- 
lination results,  which  if  effective,  is  called 
fertilisation.  When  the  pollen  of  a  flower 
falls  upon  its  own  stigma  it  is  self  pollination 
or  self  fertilisation.  If  the  pollen  is  that  from 
another  flower  of  the  same  type  on  a  differ- 
ent plant,  it  is  cross  pollination.  A  true  hy- 


2 1 0  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

brid  is  the  result  of  crossing  quite  different 
flowers. 

The  flowers  to  be  artificially  pollenized 
should  have  their  anthers  removed  before 
the  pollen  is  ready  to  shed,  to  prevent  self  pol- 
lination. Then  tie  a  piece  of  netting  over  the 
flower  to  prevent  insects  from  carrying  for- 
eign pollen  to  the  stigma.  When  the  latter 
is  ripe  for  the  operation,  apply  the  pollen 
from  the  chosen  flower  by  means  of  a  camel's 
hair  brush  slightly  moistened,  or  a  bit  of  ivory 
or  bone.  Re-cover  the  flower  operated  upon 
with  netting.  It  is  advisable  to  repeat  this 
operation  two  or  three  times  on  successive 
days  to  make  sure  that  the  purpose  has  been 
accomplished.  If  fertilisation  is  successful, 
the  ovary  will  soon  develop  into  a  seed  pod 
and  as  it  nears  maturity,  it  should  be  carefully 
watched  and  gathered  before  it  bursts  and 
scatters  its  seeds. 

When  the  intended  parents  flower  at  differ- 
ent times,  artificial  crossing  is  accomplished 
by  retarding  the  early  flowering  sort  and  has- 
tening the  flowering  of  the  late  sort  by  forc- 
ing under  glass  if  necessary.  But  if,  normally, 
the  difference  in  time  is  not  over  two  weeks, 


RAISING    FROM    SEED  211 

this  may  be  accomplished  in  outdoor  cultiva- 
tion by  selecting  an  early  site  for  the  late- 
flowering  kind  and  a  late  site  for  the  early 
one,  as  discussed  in  Chapter  II.  By  ad- 
justing the  regular  forcing  methods  given  in 
Chapter  III.,  types  widely  differing  in  time 
of  bloom  may  be  brought  to  flower  simulta- 
neously. In  this  way,  the  poetaz  race  (the 
result  of  crossing  the  late  flowering  N.  poeti- 
cus,  var.  ornatus  with  an  early-flowering 
Tazetta  variety)  was  made  possible.  Also,  in 
the  same  way,  the  Sprengeri  hybrids  were  pro- 
duced by  crossing  a  large  yellow  trumpet  va- 
riety with  the  Paper  White.  The  Leedsii 
varieties  are  crosses  of  the  white  trumpets 
and  poeticus. 

But  it  is  not  alone  the  crossing  of  species 
and  widely  differing  forms  that  gives  us  the 
most  valuable  results.  Most  of  the  best  large 
new  daffodils  of  the  present  time  have  been 
produced  by  crossing  individuals  of  the  same 
group.  King  Alfred,  the  acknowledged  peer 
of  the  all-yellow  trumpets — certificated  in 
1899  and  still  worth  $15.00  per  bulb — is  a 
cross  between  Maximus  and  Emperor,  large 
yellow  trumpet  daffodils.  Other  instances 


2 1 2  DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 

could  be  cited  to  show  that  crossing  in  the 
same  group  often  produces  progeny  superior 
to  either  parent. 

SOWING   DAFFODIL    SEEDS   AND    RAISING 
THE  SEEDLINGS 

The  seeds  of  narcissus  and  daffodils  should 
be  sown  as  soon  as  ripe,  about  August,  in 
wooden  boxes  with  holes  in  the  bottom,  or 
earthen  pots  or  pans.  Cover  the  holes  with 
broken  pottery,  then  place  over  the  hole  a 
layer  of  more  finely  broken  pots  or  cinders 
and  another  layer  of  cocoanut  fibre  refuse,  or 
old  fibrous  roots  from  sods  to  prevent  the  soil 
from  filling  up  the  rubble  and  stopping  the 
drainage.  Over  this  place  a  two  or  three-inch 
layer  of  good  loamy  soil  free  from  manure, 
mixed  with  about  ten  per  cent,  of  sand.  On 
this  sow  the  seeds,  scattering  them  thinly  over 
the  surface,  and  cover  with  half  an  inch 
of  loamy  soil  mixed  with  one-half  sand.  The 
object  of  so  much  sand  is  to  prevent  the  soil 
from  caking  and  forming  a  surface  which  it 
would  be  difficult  for  young  growth  to  pene- 
trate. The  boxes,  pots  or  pans  containing 


RAISING    FROM    SEED  213 

tHe  seeds  should  be  placed  in  a  cold-frame  on 
a  layer  of  ashes  two  or  three  inches  deep,  to 
keep  worms  out  and  to  further  facilitate 
drainage. 

The  seedlings  may  appear  in  a  month  or 
two — little  narrow,  rush-like  leaves — but 
they  sometimes  come  up  at  intervals  through- 
out the  winter  and  sometimes  do  not  germin- 
ate until  spring.  The  seedlings  are  to  remain 
undisturbed  in  their  boxes  or  pans  in  the 
frame  for  about  two  years  or  until  the  little 
bulbs  have  attained  the  size  of  large  peas, 
when  they  are  to  be  transplanted  to  a  cool, 
semi-shaded  situation  in  the  garden  in  a  raised 
bed  of  finely  prepared  sandy  loam.  Here 
they  should  remain  until  the  flowering  size  is 
reached. 

The  time  required  for  flowering  from  the 
seed  differs  with  the  sections.  The  miniature 
daffodils,  namely,  Bulbocodium,  triandrus, 
cyclamineus,  juncifolius,  etc.,  will  generally 
flower  the  third  year  after  sowing;  but  the 
larger-growing  kinds  can  hardly  be  expected 
to  flower  under  four  or  five  years  from  the 
seed  and  even  then,  they  will  continue  to  im- 
prove for  a  year  or  two  and  give  their  first 


2 1 4  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

characteristic  flower  in   from   seven  to   ten 
years. 

Crosses  in  which  Tazetta  varieties  take 
place  are  usually  longer  in  producing  their 
first  flowers  than  any  other  combinations. 


APPENDIX 
A  KEY  TO  THE  DAFFODILS 

BY 

WILHELM  MILLER  AND  LEONARD  BARRON 


A  Key  to  the  Daffodils 

INCLUDING   ALL  THE   HYBRID    GROUPS    OR    "SECTIONS"    AND 
IMPORTANT  SPECIES. 

THE  following  key  is,  we  believe,  the  first 
which  clearly  distinguishes  all  the  important 
sections  and  species  of  the  daffodil  or  narcis- 
sus. If  the  beginner  will  spend  five  minutes 
upon  it  he  will  get  a  better  grasp  of  the  genus 
Narcissus  than  he  can  get  in  any  other  way, 
because  the  key  shows  in  the  briefest  possible 
form  how  each  species  and  hybrid  group  sec- 
tion differs  from  any  other,  and  also  what  it 
has  in  common  with  any  other.  Moreover, 
it  not  only  gives  one  a  vivid  mental  picture  of 
the  whole  genus,  but  it  also  enables  one  to 
determine  with  certainty,  in  the  shortest  pos- 
sible time,  to  what  section  an  unknown  flower 
belongs.  Then  by  referring  to  the  descrip- 
tion list  of  varieties  in  the  first  part  of  the 
book  the  exact  name  of  the  flower  can  be  de- 
termined. 

In  order  to  get  a  grasp  of  the  genus  Nar- 
cissus, notice  first  the  distinctness  between  A, 
A  A,  and  A  A  A.  Here  we  have  the  daffodils 
217 


2 1 8  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

divided  into  the  (A),  large-  ;  (AA),  me- 
dium -  ;  and  (AAA),  small-crowned  groups, 
which  are  better  distinguished  commonly  as 
trumpets,  cups  and  saucers.  Under  A,  notice 
that  we  have  B,  BB,  and  BBB,  which  show 
that  the  petals  spread  horizontally  in  the  first 
species  *  point  backwards  in  species  Nos.  5 
and  6  and  forward  in  No.  7. 

In  like  manner,  the  most  important  dis- 
tinctions among  the  medium-crowned  daffo- 
dils are  indicated  by  B  and  BB  under  AA; 
namely,  that  the  leaves  are  broad  and  flat 
in  species  8  to  15  inclusive,  while  they  are 
narrow  and  rush-like  in  species  16  and  17. 

Again,  among  the  small-crowned  daffodils, 
the  most  important  distinctions  are  shown 
by  B,  BB,  and  BBB,  which  clearly  indicate 
the  number  of  flowers  on  a  stem  possessed  by 
species  Nos.  18  to  28. 

Suppose  now  that  we  wish  to  place  an  un- 
known flower  in  its  proper  section.  We 
choose  first  between  A,  AA,  and  AAA.  If 
our  specimen  has  a  large-crowned  flower,  it 


*  (NOTE:  For  the  present  purposes  the  typical  hybrid 
groups,  or  sections,  are  regarded  as  species,  and  the  peri- 
anth segments  are  referred  to  simply  as  "petals"). 


KEY   TO   THE    DAFFODILS  219 

clearly  belongs  under  A,  and  we  must  next 
choose  between  B,  BB,  and  BBB.  The  petals 
spread  horizontally,  which  places  it  under  B. 
If  our  specimen  has  only  one  flower  on  a 
stem,  it  belongs  then  under  C,  and  we  must 
choose  between  D  and  DD.  If  it  has  a 
spread  trumpet,  it  belongs  under  D,  and  if 
the  trumpet  is  straight,  and  flared  only  at  the 
rim,  it  clearly  belongs  under  species  No.  I, 
namely  Narcissus  Pseudo-Narcissus,  which  is 
the  most  important  group  of  all  as  it  contains 
most  of  the  common  trumpet  daffodils. 

The  authorities  disagree  about  N.  Back- 
housel.  Even  Peter  Barr  puts  it  in  the  large- 
crowned  section  in  his  catalogue  and  in  the 
medium-crowned  section  in  his  book.  All 
agree  that  it  is  a  hybrid  between  a  large- 
crowned  and  a  medium  -  or  small-crowned 
type  (some  say  incomparablis,  some  poeticus, 
and  some  Tazetta),  yet  we  have  searched 
the  books  in  vain  for  any  indication  that  the 
flower  of  Backhousei  has  a  crown  appreciably 
shorter  in  relation  to  the  petals  than  the  typi- 
cal trumpet  varieties.  On  the  contrary,  Peter 
Barr  distinctly  states  that  the  cup  is  nearly 
as  long  as  the  petals.  Hence,  N.  'Backhousei 


220  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

may  be  sought  below  in  either  the  large  -  or 
medium-crowned  sections. 

The  new  section,  N.  Englehearti,  has  not 
yet  been  described  with  sufficient  precision  to 
enable  us  to  insert  it  in  the  key.  It  is  closely 
allied  to  N.  Burbidgei,  and  indeed  some  of 
the  varieties  of  the  new  section  were  formerly 
included  in  Burbidgei.  The  crown  is  short, 
spreading  and  much  fluted. 

A.  The  large-crowned,  or  trumpet  daffodils;  crown  almost 
as  long  as  the  petals  (here  might  be  sought  No.  9)  or 
longer ;  perianth  tube  much  shorter  than  the  crown  and 
wide. 
B.  Petals  spreading  horizontally. 

C.  Number  of  flowers  on  a  stem  only  one. 

D.  Trumpet    straight    or  flared    only    at    the    rim 
i.  N.    Pseudo-Narcissus. 
DD.  Trumpet  flaring  widely  like  a  hoop  skirt 

2.  N.   Bulbocodium. 
CC.  Number  of  flowers  on  a  stem  two  or  three 

3.  N.   tridymus. 
BB.  Petals  pointing  backward 

C.  Flowers  large:  height  twelve  inches:  hardy 

4.  N.    Johnstoni. 
CC.  Flowers  small:  height  six  inches:  for  pot  culture 

of  rockeries   5.  N.  cyclamineus. 

BBB.  Petals  pointing  forward 6.  N.  Humei. 

AA.  The  medium-crowned,  or  cup  daffodils:  crown  more 
than  one-third  and  up  to  three-fourths  as  long  as  the 
petals:  perianth  tube  about  as  long  as  the  crown. 


KEY   TO   THE    DAFFODILS  221 

B.  Leaves  broad  and  flat 

C.  Flowers  large:  height  a  foot  or  more,  hardy. 
D.  Blossoms  not  drooping. 

E.  Petals  generally  yellow,  sometimes  white. 
F.  Cup  a  third  or  more  the  length  of  the  petals. 
7.  N.  incomparabiHs. 
FF.  Cup  a  fourth  to  a  third  of  the  length  of  the 

petals   8.  N.  Barrii. 

FFF.  Cup  nearly  as  long  as  the  petals. 

9.  N.  Backhousei. 
EE.  Petals  always  white, 

F.  Cup  white  10.  N.  Leedsii. 

FF.  Cup  orange-scarlet:  crown  half  as  long  as 

the  petals  n.  N.  Bernardi. 

FFF.  Cup     yellow,     sometimes    tinged    orange: 

crown  more  than  half  as  long  as  the  petals. 

12.  N.  Nelsoni. 

DD.  Blossoms    drooping 13.    N.    montanus. 

CC.  Flowers   small:   height   four   to   nine   inches:   for 

pots  or  rockeries 14.  N.  Maclean. 

BB.  Leaves  narrow,  rush-like. 

C.  Petals  reflexed 15.  N.  triandrus. 

CC.  Petals  spreading  horizontally. 

D.  Flowers    large:    height    twelve    to    twenty-two 
inches:  petals  not  imbricated:  hardy. 

1 6.  N.  odorus. 

DD.  Flowers  small:  height    three    to  four    inches: 
petals  imbricated:  for  pots  or  rockeries. 

17.  N.  juncifolius. 

AAA.  The  small-crowned  or  saucer  daffodils:  crown  less 
than  one-third  as  long  as    the  petals:    perianth    tube 
much  longer  than  the  crown  and  narrow. 
B.  Number  of  flowers   about  a   dozen:  only  for  indoor 

culture  North. 
C.  For  pot  culture 18.  N.    Tazetta. 


222  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 

CC.  For  culture  in  pure  water 19.  N.   Tazetta 

var.  orientalis. 
BB.  Number  of  flowers  usually  three  to  eight. 

20.  N.  poetaz. 

BBB.  Number    of    flowers     one    (except     "Twin-Flow- 
ered," a  variety  of  poeticus) 
C.  Leaves  broad  and  flat. 

D.  Saucer  nearly  flat 21.  N.  poeticus. 

DD.  Saucer  a  trifle  deeper 22.  N.  Burbidgei. 

CC.  Leaves  narrow,  rush-like. 
D.  Blooming  in  autumn. 

E.  Flowers  all  green 23.  N.  viridiflorus. 

EE.  Flowers  white  with  yellow  crown. 

F.  Flowers  before  leaves 24.  N.  serotinus. 

FF.  Flowers  with  leaves 25.  N.  elegans. 

DD.  Blooming  in  May. 
E.  Yellow  at  first,  becoming  sulphur. 

26.  N.  gracilis. 
EE.  Colour  not  changing. 

F.  Petals  and  cup  yellow 27.  N.  Jonquilla. 

FF.  Petals  pale  yellow:  cup  yellow  or  orange. . 
28.  N.  intermedius. 

INDEX  TO  SPECIES 

The  following  index  to  the  species  or  sec- 
tions will  enable  anyone  to  locate  its  place  in 
the  preceding  Key.  The  numbers  immedi- 
ately following  the  names  refer  to  the  order  in 
which  the  names  are  given  in  the  key;  the 
page  references  (in  parenthesis)  indicate 
where  the  full  descriptions  of  the  varieties  of 
the  section,  and  their  appraisement  as  garden 


KEY   TO    THE    DAFFODILS 


223 


plants,  by  Mr.    Kirby,    will  be  found   in  the 
preceding  chapters. 


Backhousei,  9   (p.  142) 
Barrii,  8    (p.  166) 
Bernardi,   n    (p.   169) 
biflorus,  21    (p.  173) 
Bulbocodium,  2    (p.  143) 
Burbidgei,  22  (p.  174) 
cyclamineus,   5  (p.  145) 
elegans,  25  (p.  207) 
Engleheartii,  .  .  .(p.   178) 
gracilis,  26   (p.  182) 
Humei,  6   (p.  141) 
incomparabilis,  7  (p.  148) 
intermedius,  28  (p.  190) 
Johnstoni,   4  (p.  146) 
Jonquilla,  27    (p.  180) 
juncifolius,  17  (p.  181) 


Leedsii,  10   (p.  158) 
Macleaii,  14  (p.  165) 
montanus,  13   (p.  164) 
Nelsonii,  12   (p.  156) 
odorus,  16   (p.  181) 
poetaz,  20    (p.  193) 
poeticus,  21   (p.  170) 
Pseudo-Narcissus,  i  (p.  in) 
serotinus,  24  (p.  206) 
Tazetta,  18   (p.  185) 
Tazetta,  var.  orientalis,  19 

(P-  191) 

tridymus,  3  (p.  194) 
triandrus,  15    (p.  147) 
viridiflorus,  23  (p.  207) 


INDEX. 

Abscissus,   112.  Atalanta,    127. 

Achilles,  112.  Aurantius,    149,    157. 

Ada    Brooke,    133.  Plenus,  202. 

Admiral   Makaroff,   112.  Autocrat,   149. 

Togo,  112.  Autumn  flowering,  108,  206. 

Adonia,    185.  Avalanche,  127. 

Advice   to   beginners,    10.  Baby     Jonquil,     see     junci- 

After   flowering,   56.  folius. 

Agnes    Barr,    171;.  Backhousei,    101,    142,    143. 

Harvey,    159.  Barbara   Holmes,   see   Lady 
Ajax     varieties,      zoo,  in,        Godiva. 

198.  Baroness  Heath,  175. 

Albatross,    167.  Barrii,    104,    166. 

Albicans,   126.  Basal  rot,  20,  94. 

Alice   Knights,   126.  Bathurst,   185. 

Alida,    112.  Bazelman  major,  186. 

All  white  trumpets,  125,  201  Beacon,  175. 

All  yellow  trumpets,  in.  Beatrice,   159. 

Almira,    171.  Haseltine,    175. 

Alsace,    193.  Beauty,    149. 

Alvarez,     112.  Beginners,   advice   to,   10. 

Amab'  's,  159.  Bernard!,    104,    169. 

Amazon,    159.  Bernice,    175. 

Amsterdam,    149.  Bertie,  150. 

Angel's      tears,      see      Tri-  Bianca,  159. 

andrus.  Bicolor,  133. 

Angustifolius,  171.  Ajax,    101. 

Apricot,   126.  of   Haworth,    133. 

Phoenix,    202.  Bicolour        maximus,        see 

Apricot-crowned       Leedsiis,  Grandee, 

see      Salmonettta      and  trumpets,  133. 

Peach.  Biflorus,  105,  173,  174. 

A.    Rawson,    194.  hybridus,  174. 

Ard  Righ,  112.  Big   Ben,    113. 

Argent,   202.  Blackwell,  150. 

Ariadne,  159.  Blast,   cause   of,   64. 

Artemis,   149.  Blindness,    cause    of,    73, 

Astradente,    178.  Blood  Orange,  176. 
225 


226  DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 


Breviflos,  134.  Cecilia  De  Graaff,  127. 

Bridal  Veil,  159.  Cecily  Hill,  167. 

Bridesmaid,  159.  Cernuus,    127. 
Bulb,  diseased,  45.  plenus,  see  Double  White 

growth  of  a,  17.  Trumpet. 

how  to  order,  49.  pulcher,  127. 

increase  of,  30,  44,  Cervantes,  113. 

selection,  43.  Charles   Dickens,   185. 

size  of,   18,   24.  Chaucer,  171. 

what   is  good,   45.  C.  H.  Curtis,  113. 

citrinum  or  citrinus,  144.  Cheesecloth  protection,  39 

Bulbocodium  Cherry  Ripe,   176. 

see  p.  144.  Chinese  sacred,  65,  186,  204. 

conspicuum  or  conspicua,  Christmas,   forcing   for,   63, 
144-  70. 

miniature,    144.  Circe,  see  Duchess  of  Bra- 

monophyllum     or     mono-       bant. 

phylla,   144.  C.  J.  Backhouse,   150. 

praecox,  144.  Classification,  98. 

Bullfinch,    167.  Cleopatra,   113. 

Bunching  flowers,   79.  Close  club,  10. 

Burbidgei,   105,   174,   175.  Cloth  of   Gold,   194. 

Butter    and   Eggs,   see   Au-  Club,    10. 

rantius      and      Aurantius  Clusii,      see      Bulbocodium 

plenus.  Monophyllum. 

Buttercup,     see     Obvallaris  Cocoanut  fibre  refuse  36, 67 

pallidus.  Codlins     and     Cream,     see 
Cabeceiras,    134.  Silver  Phoenix. 

Calpurnia,  134.  Colleen  Bawn,  127. 

Cambricus,  113.  Colonizing,  82. 

Cameoens,  134.  Colour,  preserving,  38. 

Campernelle      group,      105,  Commander,    150. 

180,  204.  Commercial  cut  flowers,  70. 

Jonquil,  181.  Concord,  179. 

major,   see   odorus    rugu-  Conference,  9. 

losus.  Conspicuus,  167. 

plenus,  see  Giant  Double        minor,   see   Orphee. 

Jonquil.  Constance    Pierpont,    159. 

Canary  Queen,  150.  Constantinople,    187,    204. 

Capax    plenus,    see    Queen  Constellation,  150. 

Anne's  Double.  Cora   Plemp,    127. 

Captain  Nelson,  113.  Coronatus,  114. 

Cardinal,  150.  Countess  of  Annesley,  114. 
Cassandra,  171.  Desmond,  114. 


INDEX 


227 


Cresset,  179. 
Crom-a-Boo,  114. 
Crosses,  7. 
Crown  Frilled,  see  Crom-a- 

Boo. 

Prince,   167. 

Princess,  176. 
Cupid,  167. 

Cutting,  flowers  for,  43,  70. 
C.  W.  Cowan,  127. 
Cyclamen-flowered      group, 

102,  145. 
Cyclamineus,  102,  145. 

var.    major,    146. 
Cygnet,  134. 
Cynosure,  150. 
Daffodil  conference,  9. 

typical,  13. 
Dainty  Maid,  134. 
Dandy  Dick,  151. 
Daniel  Dewar,  114. 
Dante,   171. 
Dean  Herbert,  134. 
Defiance,  114. 
Delos,  160. 
Depths  to  plant,  24. 
Diana,   160. 
Disease,  93. 
Distances  apart,  24. 
Dividing,  29,  31. 
Doctor  Gorman,  151. 
Don   Quixote,   see   Princeps 

Maximus. 

Dormant  period,  18. 
Dorothy  E.  Wemyss,  167. 
Double  Jonquil,  204. 

Poet's   Narcissus,   203. 

Roman,      see      Constanti- 
nople. 

Scotch,  201. 

Van  Sion,   19,  198. 

White  Trumpet,  201. 
Double-flowered  group,  108, 
196. 


Dr.    Fell,    167. 

Hogg,   128. 

Dubius,  see  Paper  White. 
Duchess  of  Brabant,  160. 

Connaught,  127. 

Normandy,   128. 

Westminster,    160. 
Duke  of  Bedford,  134. 
Dutch  minor,  see  Minor. 

Moschatus,  see  Albicans. 

nanus,  see  Lobularis. 
Dwarf        Double        Sweet 

Scented,    200. 
Early  Bird,  115. 

flowering,  65. 

Edmond's  White,  see  Mag- 
gie May. 
Eggs       and       Bacon,       see 

Orange    Phoenix. 
Egret,   179. 
Elaine,   160. 
Eliza    Turck,    115. 
Ellen   Barr,   176. 
Elvira,  193. 
Emperor,    115. 
Empress,  134. 
Englehearti,   105,   178. 
English      Lent      Lily,      see 

Pseudo-Narcissus. 
Enid,    160. 
Eoster,  160. 
Epic,    172. 
E.  T.   Cook,   135. 
Etoil    d'or,   see   Intermedius 

biflorons. 
Excelsior,  115. 
Exquisite,  128. 
Eystettensis,       see       Queen 

Anne's  Double. 
Fairy   Queen,   160. 
Falstaff,    176. 
Farm,  a  flower,  77. 
Fearless,    151. 
Fertilizers,    24,    67,    73,    74. 


228 


DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 


Field  Culture,  76. 
Figaro,    151. 
Fire  Glow,  169. 
Firebrand,  176. 
Flats,  70. 

Flora  Wilson,  168. 
Forcing,  47,  55,  70. 

for    Christmas,    63,    70. 

varieties  for,   59,   60,   76. 
Frailty,    176. 
Frank  Miles,  151. 
Fred   Moore,    115. 
F.  W.  Burbidge,  128. 
Gaiety,  151. 

Ganymedes,   see  Triandru-s. 
Garden   analysis,  99. 

crosses,  7. 

cultivation,  17. 
Gardenia-flowered      narcis- 
sus,  see   Double  Poet's 
Narcissus. 

Garland  flower,  see  Pseudo- 
Narcissus. 
Gem,  161. 

General   Murray,  168. 
George  Nicholson,  151. 

Philip  Haydon,  116. 
Gerard's    Silver    and    Gold 

Double,  200. 
Giant  Double  Jonquil,  205. 

jonquil,  see  odorus. 

Princeps,      see      Princeps 
Maximus. 

trumpet   group,    100,   in, 

198. 

Gipsy  Lad,   151. 
Glitter,    168. 
Gloria  Mundi,  151. 
Gloriosa   superba,   see   Glo- 

riosus. 

Gloriosus,  187. 
Glory,  172. 

of  Leiden,    116. 
Gold  Eye,  179. 


Golden  Bell,  116. 

Eagle,  1x6. 

Gem,  168. 

Giant,  see  MonarcTi. 

Mary,  168. 

Phoenix,  or  Erini,  202. 
see  Aurantius. 

Plover,  116. 

Prince,  117. 

Princeps,       see       Golden 
Plover. 

Rose,  202. 

Spur,  117. 
Goliath,    152. 
Good      luck      flower,      see 

Chinese  Sacred. 
Grace  Darling,  128. 
Gracilis,  106,  182. 

tenuior,   182. 
Grand  Duchess,  161. 

Emperor    of    China,    see 
Chinese    Sacred. 

Monarque,    187. 

Primo,   187. 

Primo  Citronierre,  185. 

Soleil  D'or,  185. 
Grandee,  135. 
Grandiflorus,    172. 
Grandis,  see  Grandee. 
Grandis-praecox,    see   Prae- 

cox. 

Groot  Voorst,   187. 
Grouping,  37,  84. 
Gwendolen,  135. 
Gwyther,  152. 
Hamlet,  117. 
Hardy      cluster    -    flowered 

group,  107,  192. 
Harold  Hodge,  176. 
Hatfield  Beauty,  128. 
Haunts,  6. 
H.  E.  Buxton,  169. 
Helene,  see  N.  gracili?. 
Henri  Vilmorin,  128. 


INDEX 


229 


Henry  Irving,  117. 
Her   Majesty,   117,   187. 
Heroine,  161. 
Hogarth,    152. 
Homer,  172. 
Hon.  Mrs.  Barton,  161. 

Mrs.    Joscelyn,    118. 
Hoop-petticoat    group,    102, 

143- 

Horsefieldi,  135. 
House  culture,  63. 
How  to  plant,  27. 
Hulda,  135. 
Humei,  101,  141. 

albidus,   142. 

concolor,  142. 

monstrosns,    142. 
Hume's    Giant,    see    Humei 

monstrosus. 
Hyacinth,  176. 
Hybridizers,  early,  8. 
Hybridising,    208. 
Hybrids,  6. 
Incomparabilis,  103,  148. 

albus  aurantius  plenus, 
see  Orange  Phoenix. 

pallidus  -  plenus,  see 
Golden  Phoenix  or 
Erini. 

simplex,  see  Aurantius. 
Incognito,    179. 
Insect,  93. 

Intermediate      cluster-flow- 
ered group,  189. 
Intermedius,  107,  190. 

biflorons,  190. 

Major,   190. 

minor,  see  Intermedius. 

Sunset,    190. 
lone,  135. 
Irene,   193. 

Irish  King,  see  Ard  Righ. 
Isolde,    118,    136. 
Ivanhoe,  118. 


James   Bateman,    152. 
Janet  Image,  161. 
Jaune    a    Merveille,    193. 

Supreme,   185. 
J.  B.  M.  Camm,  136. 
Jenny  Woodhouse,  "8. 
John  Bain,  176. 

Bright,   118. 

Davidson,    136. 

Nelson,    118. 

Tradescant's  Daffodil,  see 

Rose-flowered    Double. 
Johnstoni,  102,  146. 

"Queen  of  Spain,"  146. 
Jonquil  group,  105,  180,  204. 
Jonquilla,  106,  180. 

plenus,    see   Double    Jon- 
quil. 
Jos     flower,     see     Chinese 

Sacred. 

J.  T.  Bennett  Poe,  147. 
Juncifolius,  106,  181. 
Katherine  Spurrell,  161. 
Key   to   the   Daffodils,   217. 
King  Alfred,   118. 

Edward  VII.,  see  Almira. 

Humbert,   119. 

of  Daffodils,  see  Glory  of 
Leiden. 

of  the  Netherlands,  152. 

Umberto,  see  King  Hum- 
bert 

Klondyke,  193. 
Lady  Arnott,   152. 

Audrey,  128. 

Godiva,  168. 

Gregory,  162. 

Grosvenor,    129. 

Helen  Vincent,  119. 

Isabel,   176. 

Margaret  Boscawen,  152. 

McCalmont,    161. 

of  the  Snows,  128. 

Somerset,    129. 


DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 


Lady  Sybil,  129. 

Willes,  119. 

Large  White  Spanish  Daffo- 
dil, see  Albicans. 
Leedsii,    103,    158,    161. 
Lena,    136. 
Lesser   trumpet   group,   toi, 

141. 

Lifting,  29,   31. 
L'Innocence,    129. 
Little  Dirk,  177. 

Dorritt,  177. 
Lismore,    129. 
Lobster,  152. 
Lobularis,  136. 

Neerlandicus,  see  Nanus. 

plenissimus,      see      Rose- 
flowered  Double. 
Lord  Canning,  185. 

Palmerston,   162. 

Roberts,  119. 
Lorifolius,  119. 

Emperor,  see  Emperor. 
Lorna  Doone,  119. 
Louise,  152,  193. 
Loveliness,   129. 
Lucia,    162,    194. 
Ideal,  193. 
Improved   Campernelle,  see 

Odorus  rugulosus. 
Lucifer,   152. 
Lulworth,  153. 

Beauty,  see  Lulworth. 
Lusitanica,    see     Cameoens. 
Lydia,   153. 
Mable  Cowan,  153. 
Macleaii,   104,    165. 
Madame  De  Graaff,  129. 

Plemp,    136. 
Madge  Matthew,  162. 
Maestro,    187. 
Maggie  May,  162. 
Magog,  153. 
Major,  119. 

Spurius,  120. 


Manure,  danger  of,  22". 
Many  -  flowered       Camper- 
nelle, see  Odorus  cala- 
t'  ina. 

Marchioness  of  Lome,  129. 
Market  flowers,  75. 
Mars,    153. 
Marvel,   172. 
Mary  Anderson,  153  . 

M.  De  Graaff,  see  Mary 
Magdaline  De  Graaf. 

Magdaline    De    Graaf, 

162. 

Matson  Vincent,  129. 
Maurice  Vilmorin,  168. 
Maw's    bicolor,    136. 
Maximus,    120. 

of  the  Pyrenees,  see 
Maximus  superbus  lon- 
givirens. 

superbus  longivirens,  120. 
Mediterranean   types,  4. 
Medium-crowned        hybrid 
group,    103,    148,    2ot. 
Mercedes,  177. 
Michael  Foster,   137. 
Mikado,  121. 
Miniature  flowers,  62,  90. 
Minimus,  121. 
Minnie  Hume,  162. 

Warren,       see      W.      P. 

Milner. 
Minor,  121. 
Miriam  Barton,  168. 
Miss  Weisse,  163. 

White,  195. 
M.  J.  Berkeley,  121. 
Modern,  3. 
Monarch,    122. 
Montanus,  104,  164. 
Mont    Cenis,    187. 
Morning  Star,  122. 
Moschatus,    130. 

of  Haworth,  130. 
Moss   culture,   66. 


INDEX 


23I 


Mountain  Maid,    163. 

Mr.  J.  Bell  Camm,  see  J.  B. 

M.    Camm. 
Mrs.  Alfred  Pearson,  195. 

Bettridge,  130. 

Buchanan,   137. 

Burbidge,   130. 

C.  Bowley,  168. 

C.  J.  Backhouse,  157. 

C.  W.  Earle,  137. 

Geo.  H.  Barr,  130. 

H.  J.  Elwes,  122. 

J.  Bell  Camm,  130. 

Knights,  157. 

Krelage,   177. 

Langtry,    163. 

Morland  Crosfield,  137. 

R.  C.  Notcutt,  1 68. 

Thompson,  131. 

Vincent,  131. 

Walter  T.  Ware,   137- 
Mulch  for  winter,  32. 
Mulching  materials,  34. 
Muscaret  orientalis,  191. 
Muticus,  see  Abscissus. 
Nanus,   122. 

albus,    see    W.    P.    Mil- 

ner. 

Major,  see  Nanus. 

minimus,  see  Minimus. 

minor,  see   Minor. 
Narcissus  fly,  95. 

typical,  13. 
Native   haunts,   6. 
Natural  hybrids,  6. 
Naturalising,  7,  81. 
Nelsoni,  103,  156. 

major,  157. 

minor,  157. 
Nelson's    Orange,    see    Au- 

rantius. 
Newton,      see      Sir      Isaac 

Newton. 
Niobe,  163. 


Noblissimus  Plenus,  204. 
Nomenclature,  98. 
North  Star,  see  Early  Bird. 
Notch  planting,  86. 
Obvallaris,  122. 

pallidus,  122. 
Occident,    168. 
Odorus,  106,  181. 

calathina,  182. 

heminalis,   181. 

inter  jectus,   181. 

minor  plenus,   see  Queen 
Anne's  Double  Jonquil. 

rugulosus,   181. 

rugulosus  maximus,   182. 
Offsets,  30. 

Old      plantings      character- 
istics, 85. 

Old-Time  and  Modern,  3. 
Oonah,  122. 
Ophelia,  123. 
Ophir,  123. 
Orange  Phoenix,  202. 
Oriana,  138. 
Oriental  types,  4. 
Orientalis,  107,  191. 

of   Haworth,   see   Orient- 
alis. 

Oriflamme,   177. 
Ornatus,  172. 
Orphee,  169. 
Osiris,    138. 
Othello    123. 
Ovid,   177. 

Pallidus  praecox,  131. 
Palmerston,  see  Lord  Palm- 

erston. 
Pans,  53. 
Paper  White,  188. 

Grandiflora,    189. 

multiflora,       see       Paper 

White    Grandiflora. 
Papyraceus,       see       Paper 
White. 


232 


DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 


Parkinson's      Rose-flowered 
Daffodil,      see      Rose- 
flowered  Double. 
Peach,   163. 
Perfectus,   153. 
Peter  Barr,  131. 
Pharaoh,  138. 
Pheasant's     Eye     narcissus, 

see  Recurvis. 
Phil  May,  123. 
Phyllis,    163. 
Planting,  22,  24. 

depth,  24. 

sites,    19,    83. 

time  for,  26. 
Plenipo,   203. 
Plunging,  53. 
Poetarum,  172. 
Poetaz,  107,  192. 
Poeticus,   104,   170,   203. 

albus-plenus  odoratus,  see 

Double  Poet's  Narcissus. 

Poet's  narcissus  group,  104, 

170,  203. 
Polestar,  179. 
Polyanthus,  183,  203. 
Portia,  138. 
Pots,  51,  52. 
Potting  in  August,  49. 

soil,  48. 
Praecox,  172. 

grandiflorus,  see  Praecox. 
P.  R.  Barr,  123. 
Prices,  high,  10. 
Primrose  Phoenix,  203. 
Primulinus,  see  Dean  Her- 
bert. 
Prince  Colobri,  138, 

George,    123. 

Metternich,  188 

of  Teck,  153. 
Princeps,  138. 

Maximus,  138. 
Princess  Ida,  132. 


William  Wilks,  143. 
Mary,  154. 
Mary  of   Cambridge,  see 

Princess  Mary. 
Maude,  163. 
of  Wales,  163. 
Prinz    von    Metternich,    see 

Prince    Metternich. 
Profusion,  194. 
Prometheus,  177. 
Proserpine,    138. 
Protection    for    winter,    32. 

in  summer,  39. 
Pseudo     lobularis     pumilus 
plenu,        see        Dwarf 
Double   Sweet   Scented. 
Pseudo-Narcissus,  138. 
albus    aureus   plenus,   see 
Gerard's      Silver      and 
Gold  Double, 
albus    plenus    sulnhurius, 
see    Silver    or    Sulphur 
Phoenix. 
Pseudo-rugilobus,  see  Rugi- 

lobus. 
Pseudo-Scoticus   plenus,   see 

Double  Scotch. 
Pulchellus,  157. 
Pyramus,  139. 
Pyrenean    poeticus,    172. 
Queen  Anne's  Double,  200. 

Double  Jonquil,  205. 
Bess,    154. 
Catherina,  154. 
Christiana,  139. 
Isabella,    139. 
of  Holland,  123. 
of    Holland,    see    Minnie 

Hume. 

Queen  of  Spain,  see  John- 
ston? Queen  of  Spain. 
of   the    chalice   cups,    see 

Conspicuus. 
of  the  Netherlands,  188. 


INDEX 


233 


Queen  of  Yellows,   186. 

Sophia,  154. 
Radiflorus,      see      Angusti- 

folius. 

Ranger  Johnson,  123. 
Ray    Smith,    123. 
Recurvis,  173. 
Red   Star,   154. 
Regina  Marguerita,  123. 
Resolute,    157. 

Rev.  D.  R.  Williamson,  124. 
Rhea,    139 

Rip  Van  Winkle,  200. 
Rock   garden,   varieties   for, 

91. 

Rockeries,  4. 
Rosalind,  177. 

Rose-flowered    Double,   200. 
Rowena,    132. 
Royal   Star,   179. 
Rugilobus,  124. 

lorifolius,    see    Rugilobus. 
Sabrina,   124. 
S.  A.  De  Graaff,  195. 
Salmonetta,    164. 
Salt  hay,  36. 
Sand  cushions,  29. 
Santa  Maria,  124. 
Scarlet  Eye,  177. 
Scarletta,    177. 
Sceptre,    178. 
Schizanthus    Orientalis,    sec 

Orientalis. 
Scilly  White,   189. 
Scotch    garland    flower,   see 

Scoticus. 
Scoticus,    139. 
Sea  Gull,  169. 
Secret  of  succsss,  20. 
Seed,  sowing,  212. 

raising   from,  212. 
Seedlings,    raising,    208. 
Selecting,  43. 
Semi-partitus,   154. 

plenus,    203. 


Sensation,  169. 
Sentinel,  139. 
Sequin,    179. 
Serotinus,  206. 

var.  elegans,  207. 
Shade,  value  of,  38. 
Shakespeare,   124. 
Shipping  flowers,  79. 
Shirley   Hibberd,    124. 
Siddington,  169. 
Signs,    explanation   of,    109, 
Silver   jonquil,   see   gracilis 

var.  tenuior. 
Phoenix,  203. 
Spur,  139. 

Trumpet,  see  Albicans. 
White  Swan's  Neck  daffo- 
dil, see  Cernuus  pulcher. 
no. 
Single     Jonquil,     see     Jon- 

quilla. 
Van  Sion  of  the  Dutch,  see 

Spurius. 

Sir  Isaac  Newton,  186. 
Stafford     Northcote,     132. 
Watkin,  154. 

Sites  for  planting,   19,  83. 
Snowflake,  132. 

see  Paper  White  Grandi- 

flora. 
Soil,   5,   18,   19,   21,   48,   77, 

83,  84. 

Spread  Eagle,  124. 
Sprightly,   124. 
Spurius,  124. 

Excelsior,  see  Excelsior. 
Golden  Spur,  see  Golden 

Spur. 
Henry   Irving,  see  Henry 

Irving. 

Starlight,     155. 
Staten  Generaal,  see  States 

General. 

States   General,   188. 
Steadfast,  155. 


234 


DAFFODILS  -  NARCISSUS 


Stella,    155. 

superba,  155, 
St.  John's  Beauty,  178. 
St.    Patrick,    195. 
Strong  Bow,   157. 
Structure,    14. 
Success,   20. 

Sulphur  hoop   petticoat,   see 
Bulbocodium    Citrinum. 

King,  132. 

Phoenix,  203. 

Trumpet,  see  Albicans. 
Sunset,   194. 
Superbus,  164. 

Swan's    Neck    Daffodil,    see 
Tortuosus  and  William 
Goldring. 
Sweetheart,   155. 
Sylvia,   164. 
Tazetta,   106,   183. 
Telamonius,  see  Spurius. 

plenus,    see    Double    Van 

sion- 
Temperature      for      potted 

bulbs,  48,  57,  64,  72. 
Tenby    Daffodil,   see    Jenny 

Woodhouse      and     Ob- 

yallans;  . 

Tender       cluster  -  flowered 

group,    106,    183,    203. 
Tenuifohus   minor,   see   In- 


Tottenham  Yellow,   125. 
Totus     albus,     see     Paper- 

white. 
Tradescanthus,     see     Rose- 

flowered  Double. 
Tradescant's  Centifolius,  see 

Rose-flowered   Double. 
Trewianus       Major,        see 

Bazelman  major. 
Triandrus,   103,   147. 

albus,     147. 

calathinus,    147. 

concolor,    147. 

pulchellus,   147. 
Tridymus,   107,   194. 
Triumph,    156,    194. 
True  Jonquil,  see  Jonquilla. 
Trumpet    Maximus,    120. 

Minor,  see   Minor. 
Turf,  planting  in,  28,  86. 
Tuscan  Bi-colour,  140. 

Bonnet,    125. 
Twin  Flower,  173. 
Two  coiored  trumpets,  133. 
Una>  l64. 

Underdrainage,  23. 
Undine)  ^4. 

Vanessa,   178. 
Van  §i  I9g 

van  Waveren's  Giant,  125. 
Varieties  for  cut  flowerS)  go. 


Sisterhood,    164.  ^"a'   I4°' 

Twins,  195-  Viridiflorus,   207. 

Thisbe,  179.  Vlvld>   «7f. 

Thomas  Moore,  125.  Water  culture    63. 

Three  months  of  bloom,  40.   Weardale   Perfection,   140. 

Time  to  plant,  26.  Welsh  Lent  lily,  see   Cam- 

Titian,    156. 

Torch,    156. 


Tortuosus,  132. 


bricus. 

Wet  feet,  20. 
Where  to  grow,  4. 


INDEX 


235 


White  Ajax,  101. 

hoop  petticoat,  see  Bulbo- 
codium    monophyllum. 

Lady,   164. 

obvallaris,       see       Jenny 
Woodhouse. 

Orientalis,    see    Muscaret 
orientalis. 

Pearl,    189. 

Perfection,  189. 

Queen,i64. 

Wings,    156. 
Wild,  6. 

Will   Scarlett,  156. 
William  Backhouse,  158. 

Goldring,  133. 
Princess  Louise,  177. 


Willie  Barr,  125. 
Wilmer's     Double     Golden 
Daffodil,     see     Double 
Van  Sion. 
Winter  flowering,  47. 

varieties  for,   58. 
Wolley  Dod,  143. 
W.  P.  Milner,  t33. 
Yellow  Ajax,  101. 

Hoop  Petticoat,  see  Bulbo- 

codium  conspicuum. 
King,  see  Ard  Righ. 
Orientalis,  see   Orientalis. 
poeticus,  see  Vanessa. 
Primo,   see   Grand  Primo 
Citroniere. 


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